Pankraz Gast was the last resident of the old farmstead in Burggen in the Ostallgäu region, situated between the Fünfseenland and the Alps. He was a cooper, like his predecessors, who laid the foundation stone of the property as early as 1470. It has existed in its present form since 1848: a two-storey single-gabled farmhouse with a threshing floor, a gabled roof, plasterwork and star-shaped doors, which had stood empty for the last 50 years. Until Petra and Björn Manns discovered the rather dilapidated farmhouse on the Bavarian Heritage Network, renovated it with a great deal of their own labour, and complemented the historic fabric with modern living comforts. Since then, the farmhouse near the Litzauer Schleife nature reserve has been shining in new splendour. Situated in the heart of the village and surrounded by meadows, woods, Baroque monasteries and lakes.
The former farmhouse now houses two holiday flats – one of them on the upper floor for guests. The layout has remained largely original, which gives the house its special charm, thresholds included.
During the renovation, the focus was on preserving the building’s fabric. Old doors, windows and wooden floorboards were restored, walls were plastered with homemade mortar and painted with specially produced lime putty. New elements have been deliberately designed in a modern style to highlight the contrast between old and new. The same applies to the pipes and cables, which are laid on top of the plaster. The result is a simple aesthetic that subtly recounts the history of the house.
Right outside the historic front door, you’ll find not only a courtyard with sun loungers, but also a vibrant village life and the gently rolling hills of the Auerbergland, perfect for exploring in all directions, whether you’re young or old.
What to do
Spending time outdoors, cycling, going for walks in the immediate vicinity (e.g. in the Litzauer Schleife nature reserve), hiking in the Ammergau Alps, swimming in one of the many lakes (from nearby Lake Haslach to Lake Ammer, Lake Starnberg or Lake Wörth), trips to the churches and monasteries of the Pfaffenwinkel (such as Andechs, Benediktbeuern, Ettal or the Wieskirche) and the royal castles of Linderhof and Neuschwanstein, shopping in the village shop or directly from the farmers, cooking and relaxing
Why we like this house
A listed building that has been redeveloped into a tasteful, thoughtfully designed space.
This house is great for
Hikers, cycling enthusiasts and lake lovers; particularly suitable for a getaway for two or a family with children
Sustainability
Public transport: take the train to Schongau and then the bus to Burggen
Details
| Region |
DE – Germany, Bavaria, Ostallgäu / Lechrain, Burggen Allgäu |
| Name | Pankraz Burggen |
| Scenery | In a small village in the western Pfaffenwinkel |
| Number of guests | Max. 4 |
| Completed | 1848 / 2025 |
| Design | Petra and Björn Manns, Munich |
| Published | Das Haus 4/2026 |
| Architecture | Old & new |
| Accomodation | Apartment |
| Criteria | 1-4 (house/apartment), Family, Hiking, Lake/river, Mountains, No car needed |
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