parkchâlet potsdam
WHAT?
Waking up to the sound of bird song as soft dawn light pours through wall-to-celing windows, filtered by bright green leaves, onto my pillow, is how I want to start everyday. The lack of manmade noise combined with sumptuous bedding, makes it feel as if you were sleeping on a cloud. parkchâlet potsdam is the home we wish we had: a bright, open space with a view of nature through every pane of glass. Each piece of furniture has been handpicked for the space, with mismatched designer chairs at dark-wood dining tables and brightly coloured corner sofas adding a pop of colour.
Despite being just 40-minutes away from Germany’s capital, parkchâlet potsdam feels as if it’s in another world, and in fact, it almost is. Located in Klein Glienicke, the chalet is called a chalet for a reason: to be in-keeping with the village’s original style, a mini-Switzerland. In the 19th century, the Alps were very much in fashion, so Prince Carl of Prussia has architect Ferdinand von Arnim design several Swiss-style houses to nestle into this hilly nook between Potsdam and Babelsberg and their idyllic lakes.
While many of these houses were destroyed to build the wall, luckily for us, 15 years after it fell, Gerald and Pia Kühn von Kaehne fell in love with the area and decided to build the modern chalet that stands on the hillside today. The seven apartments are all completely individual. Stay for a long weekend or perhaps a few weeks, either way, leaving again will be a challenge!
WHY?
I fell in love because...
- The strikingly beautiful apartments are found in one of the most interesting areas of Brandenburg - a ‘mini-Switzerland’, built by Prince Carl of Prussia
- Whatever the season, the view of the floor-to-ceiling, wrap-around windows takes your breath away
You must...
- Walk from the apartments, through Park Babelsberg, into Potsdam, taking in the abundant lakes and historical landmarks
- Book a longer stay and make this your home away from home; we could have easily spent a few weeks working and walking, swimming and slowing down
You might dislike...
- As there are a collection of apartments in the chalet, you might see others on the terrace or feel a little overlooked through the huge windows, but there are curtains, shutters or blinds to shut out the outside world when wanted
- It takes a little time to get around without a car, but there are bikes to borrow (additional cost) if you want to whizz into the city on two wheels
WHO?
Introducing Pia and Gerald!
“When building the chalet, it was incredibly important for us to preserve the special nature and cultural history of this village, while also designing a modern, welcoming space that brings the outside in.”
They love…
“We wanted the apartments to be spaces that adapt to the seasons, so this is one of the reasons for the huge windows - in winter the crisp light makes the apartments illuminate differently to a warm summer’s evening - this is truly magical.”
Pia and Gerald’s insider tips
- Bring your swimming things and take a dip in the numerous surrounding lakes, such as Tiefer See, Sacrower See or Heiliger See
- Take a stroll through the region’s lush forests, such as Königswald, or take a trip to Pfaueninsel
- Sit on the terrace and watch for animals: there are squirrels, woodpeckers and even the occasional wild boar
- Visit Potsdam: its Dutch Quarter, its numerous museums such as the Barberini, and its famous, UNESCO-recognised castles
parkchâlet potsdam
The apartment is architecturally stunning, quite zen and also empathetic to the environment and history of Klein Glienicke.
THE
ESSENTIALS
Sleeping arrangements: Double beds are incredibly comfortable and are in sleeping areas of the open-plan apartments.
Bathroom set up: All apartments have ensuite bathrooms, some with rainfall showers and some bathtubs.
Food: There are fully-equipped kitchens in every apartment, and there’s a bio-food vending machine in the village (food from local farms). There are cafes, restaurants and supermarkets a short drive away (but still walkable).
For families: Families are more than welcome, and extra beds for kids can be requested (extra charge).
On-site equipment: There are TVs and radios in each room.
Optional extras: You can hire bikes.
Help: Help is on hand via phone, should you need anything.
Remember to pack: Binoculars for bird watching, and swimming stuff to wild swim in the nearby lakes.
Pets: Allowed on request.
Sustainability: The chalet was built using sustainable materials and practices.
Good to know: there’s a minimum night’s stay of 4 nights during high season.
WHERE?
parkchâlet potsdam is located in Klein Glienicke, a stone’s throw from Potsdam and Babelsberg.
You can easily drive, and there’s onsite parking.
You can easily arrive using public transport; get the S Bahn or train to Wannsee, from where it’s a short bus ride.
