Moosham 13
WHAT?
When we shut our eyes and picture apartments on a working farm, it’s not sleek white walls, designer furniture and bright-open spaces we picture. Yet - luckily for us - this is exactly what we find.
The farmstead, built in a classic four-side formation (Vierseithof), has been in the family since 1840, and has been tweaked overtime to suit different needs. Its current form was created by Verena and Reinhold who grew up here, moved away but were pulled back by the region’s beauty and their desire to create a space that is architecturally stunning, welcoming and warm, and that is based on the principles of sustainability. The two apartments - which still have some elegant nods to the building’s traditional design - both consist of one open, bright space, with a cube (the bathroom) at the centre, allowing the large room to still have cosy corners.
Verena and Reinhold are passionate about the region and are bursting with knowledge about how to spend your time. They both work on the farm, and manage grassland and forests, and are very proud to give guests an opportunity to experience the Bavarian Forest, which is the largest forest landscape in Central Europe that has - thus far - been spared from overtourism.
WHY?
I fell in love because...
- There’s an open yet unobtrusive atmosphere; owners Verena and Reinhold make every guest feel utterly at home
- The region, unlike many of Germany’s spectacular national parks, hasn’t been victim to overtourism - aka unspoilt nature and lots of quiet
You must...
- Ask for a tour of the farm; Verena and Reinhold are proudly working to make the farm as sustainable as possible - you’ll visit the self sustaining garden and see how solar powers everything
- Explore the quiet offered in the Bavarian Forest National Park; look out for red deer, lynx, wolves, otters and beavers
You might dislike...
- The Bavarian Forest National Park is 11km away, but you can borrow an e-bike
- Making the most of the area generally is best done with a car
WHO?
Introducing Verena and Reinhold!
“Our farm has been family-owned for seven generations. Built around a four-sided courtyard, the ensemble from 1840 includes a farmhouse, stable and outbuildings which have been adapted to the needs of the latest generation.”
They love…
“After many years in the big city, we returned to the Bavarian Forest and have since then embraced the combination of family tradition and contemporary, sustainable living - without sacrificing comfort and design.”
Verena and Reinhold’s insider tips
- Soak up life on the farm: relax in a deck chair in the big orchard under the walnut tree, watch the chicken, have breakfast on the porch, take a walk around the village and pay our vegetable field a visit
- Visit the Bavarian Forest National Park, with its animal enclosure, treetop walk (Baumwipfelpfad) and numerous hikes - ask us for recommendations
- You can take a day trip to the Czech Republic or into Austria. We love the picturesque border town of Passau
- Go out and eat! There are lots of great restaurants in the area, including some with Michelin stars
Moosham 13
“Beautiful and modern apartments and warm hosts who make your stay a feel-good experience.”
THE
ESSENTIALS
- Need to know: There’s a minimum stay of 2 nights throughout the year, except 20 December - 6 January, when there’s a 4-night minimum stay.
- Sleeping arrangements: Both apartments have a double (queen size) bed, and both also have a double sofa bed. One of the apartments has an additional single sofa bed.
- Bathroom set-up: Both apartments have a shower-only bathroom, and separate toilet. Towels and toiletries are provided.
- Food: Both apartments contain a fully equipped kitchen, and a starter set of salt, pepper, oil and vinegar is available upon request. A welcome tea and coffee is offered, and washing-up liquid, kitchen towels are provided. In summer they are happy to share vegetables from the farm with guests. Verena and Reinhold offer a welcome breakfast on the first morning of the stay, too. The nearest shops are a short cycle away (borrow the e-bikes).
- For families: Children of all ages are welcome, but you are asked to bring any special equipment you might need.
- On-site equipment: A selection of books about architecture, design and the Bavarian Forest region can be found in the guest library. In summer, you can use the outdoor barbecue, deck chairs, hammock, parasol, and 2 e-bikes. In winter, for the apartment with the fireplace, wood is provided.
- Help: Verena and Reinhold live and work in the same house on the farm where the apartments are located, and are always happy to help with tips for trips, hikes and equipment.
- Remember to pack: Hiking shoes for walks in the national park and of the Lusen Mountain; books for lazy summer afternoons in the orchard; and swimwear for the several hidden swimming lakes in the area.
- Pets: Not allowed.
- Sustainability: There’s a high emphasis on sustainability. A few examples are that the floor in the house is made of wood from the surrounding forest. The walls are plastered with natural lime, and the furniture is made of untreated wood. Wood from the forest and solar thermal energy are used for heating and hot water. They only use eco-friendly cleaning agents, and rainwater is used for irrigation.
WHERE?
Moosham 13 is located in Grafenau, Bavaria.
You can easily drive, and there’s on-site parking. It’s a 7-hour drive from Berlin, and a 2.5-hour car ride from Munich.
The nearest station is Grafenau, which is 3 km away. Owners Verena and Reinhold offer a pick-up service or you can ride your bike.
