Meisterzimmer
WHAT?
Character and charm abound at this collection of industrial-chic apartments at the Spinnerei, a stone's throw from central Leipzig. The former wool mill was only decommissioned in 2000 and has since become a home for creative souls. However, Manfred, the man behind Meisterzimmer apartments, was living here for almost a decade before the factory closed down, and his love of the space and its history shines through.
The four apartments are bold and bright. One has a red floor and an old TV for a bedside table, another has drums for lights, and another - Manfred’s former flat - still features numerous sinks, as it was the ladies’ washroom. All are strikingly unique and, of course, boast artwork from the dozens of artist studios that surround the apartments. This is a textbook example of good mismatched interior design, or, as Manfred puts it, “we are enthusiastic about interior design that doesn't look like it.”
WHY?
I fell in love because...
- This old industrial building is beautiful: ceramic tiles, large windows and exposed pipes
- You can tell you’re at the artistic heart of the city: bright colours and quirky touches are dotted through the rooms
You must...
- Take a tour of the Spinnerei to check out everything from abstract paintings and printed graphics to installations and theatrical performances
- Head to St. Nicholas Church (scene of the Monday Demonstrations) and St. Thomas Church (burial place of Bach)
You might dislike...
- You’re a little way (4km) from the city centre
- Some of the walls are thin and you can hear artists working away to music during the day (but it’s generally peaceful at night)
WHO?
Introducing Manfred!
“I moved into the Spinnerei in 1994 when it was still working wool mill! It was an amazing time, and we wanted to preserve that sense of freedom and excitement in the holiday apartments.”
He loves…
“I more or less built everything myself, along with the design help of Jana Gunstheimer (also in the photo!), so the original character could be preserved. The building’s architecture is so stunning that we simply opted to highlight it and its function, for instance, Apartment #1 is the formers ladies’ washroom and we kept all the sinks!”
Manfred's insider tips
- Book a workshop at one of the many artist studios and try your hand at being creative!
- Rent bikes (or boats!) and follow the canal to central Leipzig or out into the countryside
- Enjoy a glass of wine in one of the many bars - try Noch Besser Leben, known for its music
- If you have time, visit the impressive Völkerschlachtdenkmal, a memorial to the 1813 Battle of the Nations
Meisterzimmer
"A beautifully designed and well-equipped apartment in a big old wing of a huge cotton spinning factory."
THE
ESSENTIALS
- Sleeping arrangements: There are 4 apartments: Apartment #1 sleep up to 8 (3 doubles and 2 singles); Apartment #2 sleeps up to 4 (1 double and 2 singles); Apartment #3 sleeps up to 5 (1 double and 2 singles, plus a single mattress); Apartment #4 sleeps up to 3 (double bed plus single sofa bed).
- Bathroom set up: Each apartment comes with a bathroom (shower only).
- Food: There’s a cute cafe next door, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, and apartments all have small kitchens for rustling up simple meals. There’s also an honesty bar with tea and coffee, plus some beers, wine and water. For hygiene reasons, there are no basic ingredients in the kitchen, so you'll have to bring some with you.
- For families: This is a great getaway for families, as apartments are large. As there are lots of exposed pipes and steps, it might not be suitable for really little ones. Apartments #1 and 3 are great for big families, while Apartments #2 and 4 are good for smaller families.
- On-site equipment: There are books to borrow, as well as a ping pong table to play at.
- Optional extras: Bikes are available for hire, let Manfred know when booking.
- Help: Manfred does not live on-site, but is available to help you with bookings and any questions you may have.
- Remember to pack: Shampoo and shower gel, and some slippers or thick socks to keep your feet warm!
- Pets: Not allowed.
- Sustainability: The apartments were renovated using as much old building material as possible.
WHERE?
Meisterzimmer is located in Leipzig, Saxony, at the heart of the former wool factory complex.
You can reach it in just over 2 hours by car from Berlin.
It’s even quicker if you catch the train! From Berlin, it’s just 1 hour 15 by train to Leipzig Central Station, and then a 10-minute train ride to Leipzig-Plagwitz. From here, it’s a 5-minute walk to the apartments.
