Coconat Coworking Retreat
WHAT?
A manor house with an expansive garden, a swimming pond, a sauna, upcycled furniture, a piano and fireplaces. This isn’t the first image that springs to mind when considering work, but this is exactly what you’ll find in the tiny Brandenburg village of Klein Glien. Owners Julianne, Janosch, Iris and Philipp have created a beautiful space, with the core belief that nature helps us be more productive, creative and healthy; and it’s not just the space we love, the energy here is also special.
The first thing that strikes you as you walk through the manor’s impressive wooden doors is just how relaxed everyone appears, despite the fact their on a working holiday. Leading off from the entrance hall are dozens of smaller rooms: the cosy library, the quiet coworking spaces and the community dining room. Bedrooms are minimal but welcoming, and outside are romantic yurts. Through the large windows, and past the vegetable gardens, is tree after tree after tree, where moments of stillness are abundant. It’s bliss.
WHY?
I fell in love because...
- You’re completely surrounded by nature, and can hear very few manmade sounds
- There’s a wonderful energy in the place: friendly, warm and calming
You must...
- Explore one of the hiking trails that cut through the property; we love the Kunstwanderweg
- Make the most of the swimming pond, it might be cold, but you can always warm up in the sauna afterwards
You might dislike...
- There are no shops or restaurants in the village, but food is provided as part of your stay
- Coconat Coworking Retreat is focused on coworking, but it’s also a great place to switch off and immerse yourself in nature
WHO?
Introducing Julianne, Janosch, Iris and Philipp!
“We stand for community and concentrated work in nature.”
They love…
“The atmosphere here is so special. We have a very familial way here, and it is an open one, so anyone can jump on in and feel welcome. Plus there are spaces for quiet reflection, too.”
Julianne, Janosch, Iris and Philipp’s insider tips
- Take a long walk, or explore the gardens, at sunset: it’s so peaceful!
- Chill out in the library, it’s a large-but-cosy space filled with books, art, a fireplace, and a piano
- Chat with the other guests about their projects: we find it so inspirational to hear about other people’s work, and it always gives us new ideas for our own
- When you want to switch off, head to the remise, which is perfect for dancing, yoga, mediation and ping pong!
Coconat Coworking Retreat
“Great stay! Very friendly community, tasty food, and comfortable accommodation in the middle of nature. Very relaxing. Highly recommended!”
THE
ESSENTIALS
- Need to know: Note that Coconat Coworking Retreat is shut over for a few weeks over the Christmas period.
- Sleeping arrangements: Every room is different! There’s camping, glamping, tiny house sleeping, twin beds, queen beds, king-sized beds…!
- Bathroom set up: All rooms have an en-suite toilet. Hot showers included for all outdoor sleeping. Hand-soap and organic shampoo/shower gel are provided.
- Food: Three vegetarian meals a day are provided (local and organic when possible), there’s a shop selling snacks, and a cafe in the courtyard. The kitchen is communally available, should you wish to cook, and basic ingredients of salt, pepper, herbs, spices and oil are available.
- For families: Coconat Coworking Retreat is child friendly, but not child-focused. They have a baby bed and high chairs, and a few toys. They also request families to have a childcare plan before they arrive, as children should be kept away from the coworking spaces during normal working hours
- On-site equipment: There are a natural pool, campfire, yoga room and mats, ping-pong, board games, and table football.
- Optional extras: You can rent bicycles, take yoga lessons, arrange a massage and use the sauna for an additional fee.
- Help: There is always someone on-site to help with things if needed.
- Remember to pack: A torch for late-night exploration in nature, a bottle opener (always handy), wellies and towels.
- Pets: Allowed on request.
- Sustainability: Coconat Coworking Retreat is very sustainably minded, and holds itself accountable to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Currently, they align with the following goals: Goal 1: No Poverty, Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, Goal 5: Gender Equality, Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, Goal 13: Climate Action, and Goal 15: Life on Land. More details can be found on their website.
WHERE?
Coconat Coworking Retreat is located in Klein Glien (Potsdam’s Mittelmark region).
You can easily drive, and there’s on-site parking available.
It’s oh-so-easy to arrive using public transport. The station of Bad Belzig (which you can reach with a direct train from Berlin) is 5km away: so you could cycle or walk, optionally, a bus goes through the village, but not very regularly.