Friesensteern
Type
House
Sleeps
Two houses, one for up to 11, another for up to 4
Costs
From 200€
WHAT?
The Eiderstedt peninsula is a picture-perfect landscape; rugged beaches, emerald green fields and sleepy villages, plus a few trees, some sheep and thatched-roof, red-brick houses. These houses are called Haubarge, and they are all listed buildings that date back to the 17th century; their design was brought to the peninsula by the Dutch. The Haubarge design is practical as much as it is pretty; both farmer and livestock lived - separated - under one roof.
The particular Haubarge in question here - the Friesensteern and its outhouse the old school - were bought in 2014 by German couple Gerrit and Ange, who fell in love with the buildings and their utterly rural surroundings. Once they learned of the houses’ unique history - the houses belonged to the mayor of Tetenbüll who was also a very successful sheep farmer, and he rented the outhouse to a teacher who also used the space as a classroom - they knew they had to have them.
They spent years renovating and restoring, and the results are spectacular. Each room is carefully curated and delicately balances modern interiors with natural building materials, and there is always something unique and intricate to catch the eye, whether that be bold pops of colour, vintage furniture or exposed brickwork.
But we’re not sure what we love more. The houses’ design, or the surrounding landscape: pastures, meadows and ancient trees, with the picturesque village of Tetenbüll in the distance.
WHY?
I fell in love because...
- The decor is bright, modern and striking, yet the houses’ history is elegantly woven with the new design elements
- Gerrit and Ange’s passion and love for the space and the region is palpable, and they are natural hosts
You must...
- Explore the dramatic coastline (dunes and marshes) and pretty 12km beach at St. Peter-Ording
- Visit the Westerhever lighthouse, which offers a spectacular view over Eiderstedt, the North Sea coast and the Wadden Sea
You might dislike...
- The two houses can be booked separately, and therefore you might not be completely alone in the garden, though each has clear private spaces
- There’s an additional cleaning fee added and bed linen costs extra, and you’ll need to bring sauna towels with you
WHO?
Introducing Gerrit and Ange!
“We fell in love with this historic space immediately and, together with the Office for Monument Protection, carefully and respectfully restored and renovated it.”
They love…
“We were able to preserve many details, such as the Frisian tiles that adorn the entire walls of two rooms, and the 300-year-old alcove beds, which are lavishly decorated with wood carvings.”
Gerrit and Ange’s insider tips
- Enjoy the silence and sounds made by nature that can be experienced due to being in such a rural location
- You must take a bicycle tour through Eiderstedt, and discover the wild and rugged inland landscape, and sprawling white sand beaches at the coast. There are 12 routes on the peninsula that stretch out over 650km
- There are many great restaurants in the area. We love the beach bar 54° on Ordinger beach and the Theatrium just around the corner in Tetenbüll (where you’ll be surprised with great homemade cakes)
- A mudflat hike is of course also a must, we can recommend some to you
Friesensteern
"The location is perfect for exploring the beautiful area. You're quickly by the sea and yet far enough away from the hustle and bustle of SPO. It's an oasis of calm.”
THE
ESSENTIALS
- Need to know: Rates vary seasonally, and the two houses can be booked together or separately. You can bring your own bed linen or rent some for an extra charge.
- Sleeping arrangements: In Friesensteern, the larger farmhouse, there are four double bedrooms and an alcove with space for one to sleep. In the smaller house, there are two double bedrooms.
- Bathroom set-up: Each house has a bathroom with a shower and bathtub, as well as a separate toilet. There are no toiletries. In the larger house, there is a sauna, and you will also need to bring sauna towels.
- Food: Both houses have a large, open-plan kitchen area. A basic supply of ingredients such as oil, salt and pepper are always available, as well as a range of teas and coffees.
- For families: These are a family-friendly houses, and there is plenty of space for kids.
- On-site equipment: Both houses have various board games, many DVDs and a bookshelf with many selected travel and adventure books.
- Help: Gerrit and Ange live nearby, and can be reached via phone, should you need them.
- Remember to pack: Hiking boots, bikes and beach towels for all your outdoor adventures!
- Optional extras: Ange is a yoga teacher, and you can have sessions in SPO where she teaches weekly
- Pets: Pets are welcome, request when booking and note that there will be a small additional fee.
- Sustainability: Gerrit and Ange spent years renovating to ensure the most responsible and sustainable practices were in place. During the renovation and furnishing, many building materials and furniture were recycled and refurbished, for example, one of the dining tables is made of elements from the old stable door.
WHERE?
The farmhouse and its outhouse are located on the Eiderstedt peninsula. It’s a 5-hour drive from Berlin, and a 1 hour 20 drive from Hamburg.
You can easily drive, and there’s on-site parking.
It’s unfortunately very difficult to arrive here using public transport. The closest train station is Husum, from where you could get a taxi, but it’s still a 30-minute drive.
