The house stands on the outskirts of Mellenau, one of the tiny villages that lend the Boitzenburger Land its unassuming beauty. It was built in the 1940s using bricks from the von Arnim family’s manor house, which stood nearby and, with its idiosyncratic blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles, must have been somewhat reminiscent of the châteaux of the Loire Valley. In 1945, it fell victim to arson, and the ruins were later demolished. Whatever remained usable was pragmatically reused during a time of resettlement and housing shortages – including for the construction of Mellenau 9, which thus carries on a piece of history.
When owners Claudia and Jeremy Hofmeister Mac Lynn found the housing estate house in 2019, it had already been renovated: solid, but not in a way that warmed the heart. Together with the young and now award-winning architectural couple Janz Omerzu and Blanka Hrastnik from atelier bz, a clear vision emerged. That of a holiday home with two separate flats – North and South – which together provide 250 square metres of light-filled space. And which, if required, can be joined together via connecting doors to form a single unit.
The renovation, completed in 2024, was thorough: walls were knocked through, as were some ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors were installed. The result is a house with cosmopolitan elegance that simultaneously celebrates the view of the Uckermark countryside. Steel kitchens, sleeping alcoves with a view of the night sky, a mesh lounge above the living room – the alterations are precise and full of character. An incredible 5,000 square metres of garden, featuring old fruit and walnut trees, leads directly onto an ancient oak-lined avenue, beyond which the forest begins. It’s a five-minute stroll to Lake Mellensee – and perhaps you’ll find yourself thinking of Countess Sabine von Arnim, who once gazed out from the manor house balcony onto this very path.
What to do
Swimming and paddling on Lake Mellensee, cycling and hiking through a lakeside landscape that is second to none. Lychen, Fürstenberg, Feldberg, Templin and Prenzlau, with its impressive cathedral, are all about 30 minutes away. If you’re looking for a culinary experience, book a table at the Alte Schule in Fürstenhagen – which has held a Michelin star for years.
Why we like this house
Because atelier bz hasn’t gone overboard here. The house is minimalist without being cold, open without seeming haphazard – and it shows just how much can be made of an unassuming Neusiedler-style house when approached with style and precision.
This house is great for
Families and groups of friends seeking the great outdoors: lakes, woods, tranquillity. And for anyone looking for a holiday home that is beautiful without being overbearing.
Sustainability
Triple-glazed windows, heat pump. Getting there by public transport is rather complicated, and shopping facilities are also quite a distance from Mellenau.
Details
| Region |
DE – Germany, Brandenburg, Boitzenburg district, Mellenau |
| Name | Mellenau 9 |
| Scenery | On the outskirts of the tiny village, surrounded by a 5,000 m² garden with fruit trees; a 5-minute walk from Lake Mellensee |
| Number of guests | Max. 10; the house can be rented as a whole or divided into two separate holiday flats, North and South. |
| Completed | 1940s / 2024 |
| Design | Janz Omerzu & Blanka Hrastnik - atelier bž Architektur, Berlin |
| Architecture | Modern, Old & new |
| Accomodation | Apartment, Holiday home |
| Criteria | Family, Garden |
Availability calendar
The calendar shows the current availability of the accommodation. On days with a white background, the accommodation is still fully available. If an accommodation has more than one rentable unit, days with free capacities are shown with a light grey background. On days with a dark grey background, the accommodation is not available.
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