Bahnhofszeit
WHAT?
Waking up to the sound of the trees blowing through the wind and bird song in the air is how I wish I could start every day, and it’s for this reason - amongst many others - that I fell in love with Bahnhofszeit, a striking former train station in Havelland. Once a key stop on the line a from Potsdam that connected key military production spaces, the house and train line were decommissioned in the 1990s with the iron from the train tracks being sold. Now, the building has been lovingly transformed by Gero and Lisa into a collection of apartments, their house and a creative space (complete with coffee roastery), perfect to escape to from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
In case you missed the memo about the house’s former life, a huge train engine stands at the entrance welcoming you, and concrete sleepers behind the house show the way the trains used to weave through the forest. The two bright apartments, accessed through the turret-style entrance, are full of treasures, carefully collected and curated to give a modern-but-homely feel while also nodding to the beauty of the nature on your doorstep. I felt instantly relaxed thanks for the combination of the apartments' atmosphere, the sprawling forest, and Gero and Lisa’s welcome. I know I’ll be back.
WHY?
I fell in love because...
- The energy of the property is oh-so calming and restorative
- The decor in the apartments is beautiful: I love the muted colours, landscape photos and dried flowers that bring the natural world inside
You must...
- Move the garden table and chairs into the small glade behind the house to soak up the setting sun while having an evening picnic
- Walk to the small forest lake (Grünefelder See) for a dip, the waters are crystal clear
You might dislike...
- There are no supermarkets or restaurants within walking distance (but there is a bakery and REWE deliver)
- You can sometimes hear people walking around in the other apartments
WHO?
Introducing Gero and Lisa!
“We wanted to bring people together, and allow them to enjoy the beauty of the landscape while sleeping in a sumptuous space so they would feel restored, creative and inspired.”
They love…
“The forest starts behind the house and we love it in every season, whatever the weather: you can see deer, cranes, beaver, racoons and wild boar - look out for their tracks when you take a walk.”
Gero and Lisa’s insider tips
- Take a walk through the forest behind the house: there’s an open space with a hidden pond/marsh amongst the new fir trees - when the sun shines it’s the perfect place for a picnic
- Take a loop, walking from small organic farmshop to farmshop: start with the goat's cheese producer, then go to collect milk, then pick up eggs (we can show you where to go on a map!)
- Hang around at the house! We can show you the coffee roastery and you can enjoy a freshly-brewed coffee in the garden
- If you want to venture further afield, we love the lakes in the north, especially in Alt Ruppin
Bahnhofszeit
“Very nice apartment, exceptional hosts, great location. What can I say. We'll be back!”
THE
ESSENTIALS
- Sleeping arrangements: There are two apartments. The Terrace Apartment has a double bed, plus a day bed in the living room which can sleep two. It also has a private rooftop terrace. The Loft Apartment is much more spacious and has a double bed and two single beds (which can be pushed together).
- Bathroom set up: Both apartments have private bathrooms with bathtubs and an overhead shower.
- Food: There are fully-equipped kitchens in both apartments, complete with basics such as salt, pepper, oil and tea. There's a bakery in the village where you can buy Brötchen from Tuesday to Saturday morning (walking distance). The nearest supermarket and restaurants are a short drive away, alternatively you can arrange a REWE delivery to the house.
- For families: The Terrace Apartment is good for families. There’s a day bed in the living room for older kids, and a highchair can be provided on request, as well as some books and games. Do note that you have to climb a staircase to enter the apartment and to access the roof terrace. The Loft Apartment is more suitable for those with older kids, as the staircase at the centre (to access the master bedroom) is open.
- On-site equipment: There’s a small selection of books in the apartments.
- Help: Gero and Lisa live on-site in a separate house with their two children and are available should you need them.
- Remember to pack: House shoes and beach towels (perhaps a picnic blanket).
- Pets: Not allowed.
- Sustainability: The old train station has been renovated with sustainability in mind, and a lot of the furniture is vintage.
WHERE?
Bahnhofszeit is located in Nauen (Havelland).
It's a 40-minute drive from central Berlin, and there's parking on site.
Coming by train is easy; get the direct train from Berlin to Nauen, from where it's a short cycle or bus ride.
