Am früheren Seilerhansenhof
WHAT?
Taking a holiday is often associated with phrases such as “getting away from it all” and “switching off”, and there could not be a better place to do this than the Am früheren Seilerhansenhof. Driving into the valley, three simple, wooden buildings appear, surrounded by wild meadows, ancient trees and not much else. Along with the seclusion, you’ll find an incredibly calm energy, which is only reinforced once you enter the space.
Interiors are cosy, and designed for you to linger. Furniture custom-made for the space and designed to not detract from the huge glass windows that are the focal point of every room. At the heart of the house, you find a fireplace and open-plan living-dining room, where you can connect with your loved ones or kick back with a book.
Owners Christian and Barbara are an architect and communications designer who grew up in the region. They themselves were seeking an antidote to the everyday chaos of urban living, and when they found this gorgeous space - once home to a farm run by the local ropemaker - they knew they’d found their sanctuary. Thankfully for us, they have decided to share.
WHY?
I fell in love because...
- Owners Christian and Barbara put a lot of focus on wellbeing, and a huge part of this is helping guests connect with nature to slow down - sit in the hammock in the garden and watch out for butterflies
- The cabin has been meticulously designed, and while they look simple from the outside, are filled with stylish, modern touches
You must...
- Sit on the terrace with a blanket and hot chocolate when it’s a clear night, so you can gaze up at the stars overhead
- Pack a picnic and go out for a long stroll through the surrounding forest
You might dislike...
- There’s no mobile cell phone reception, but there’s a landline phone in the house as well as free WiFi.
- You need to bring bedding (or rent some) and an additional final cleaning fee and tourist tax are added on top
WHO?
Introducing Christian and Barbara!
“We were looking for a place in nature and discovered this beautiful location some years ago.”
They love…
Mindfulness is incredibly important to us, and we wanted to create a space where it would be hard to not relax! Each room has a view of the stunning nature outside, so wherever you are, your mind can slow down and your body can follow suit!
Christian and Barbara’s insider tips
- To us, there’s nothing better than just being in the garden to enjoy nature, for instance, relaxing in the hammock and watching birds and butterflies
- We love slowing down and enjoying the seasons through the large windows, and in the winter we love doing this while sitting by the fireplace
- Take a hike through the area’s stunning landscapes, for instance, around the Blindensee or in the Teichschlucht
- Be sure to visit Linachtalsperre, the only arched damn in Germany
Am früheren Seilerhansenhof
“Beautifully located and designed with style. We received a friendly welcome. Black Forest at its best!”
THE
ESSENTIALS
- Need to know: There’s a 4-night minimum stay. Towels and bed linen are available to rent for a small cost, you can also bring your own with you.
- Sleeping arrangements: There are two bedrooms, one double and one twin.
- Bathroom set up: There’s a shower-only bathroom. No toiletries are provided, so bring some with you.
- Food: There’s a fully-equipped kitchen with a fridge, oven, induction hob, dishwasher, Bialetti espresso maker, coffee machine, and toaster, plus there’s a BBQ. Basic ingredients and equipment - such as salt, pepper, spices, tea and coffee filters bags, as well as washing-up liquid and dishwasher tabs - are provided. In the next town (Furtwangen), you’ll find bakeries, butchers and supermarkets; Christian and Barbara also recommend a few farm shops you can find nearby. There are several restaurants and cafes nearby, and there’s a folder in the house featuring recommendations.
- For families: Children are welcome, and a cot can be booked. There are also a high chair, toys, games and children's tableware available.
- On-site equipment: There are board games, candles, DVDs, books and a JBL speaker box available for guest use.
- Help: Guests can contact Christian and Barbara by phone or mail, as well as Barbara’s sister who lives in town and takes care of the welcome.
- Remember to pack: Slippers! It’s not allowed to wear outdoor shoes in the house so bring something cosy for your feet. Pack binoculars, too, as there are lots of little birds to watch hopping around the garden during the day and stars shining overhead at night.
- Pets: Not allowed.
- Sustainability: Sustainability has been considered here since day one, and construction itself was ecological. The building uses a significant amount of natural materials such as wood and stone. The conservation of nature is also very important to the owners, and they support biodiversity; for example, the wild garden meadow is only mown 2 to 3 times a year.
WHERE?
Am früheren Seilerhansenhof is located in southern Germany, near Freiburg.
You can easily drive, and in summer, parking is possible in front of the house. In winter when there is snow, parking in front of the house is not possible and instead, there is a parking space above the house, next to the street.
It’s a little difficult to arrive by public transport, sadly. The nearest station is in St. Georgen or in Triberg (18 km away).
