Gutshaus Lexow

Bettina Buschow and Patrick Oldendorf were actually looking for a small weekend cottage when they discovered the Gutshaus Lexow in 2007. The windows were boarded up, the roof was full of holes and the garden was overgrown. And it was much too big for a weekend house. But the beautiful fields and forests surrounding it, and the lakes! The endless expanses of the Mecklenburg lake district quickly won their hearts. And on top of that, the house’s incredible potential ... Bettina and Patrick quickly realized that their discovery of the manor house from 1874 would turn their plan for an idyllic family home into an extended adventure. During the renovation of the listed building, old substance was carefully restored and a few treasures, such as the old shutters on the first floor, were discovered and saved. The slate roof and façade have been restored to their original splendor, and floor-length window slits with a view of the garden added. The subtle pale pink, light gray and olive green interior color scheme feels modern but is historically accurate. All apartments are impressively spacious with open plan living, cooking and dining areas ¬ perfect for families and larger groups. Cozy bed & breakfast double rooms are available next door in the Old Kitchen. Each apartment, each room has its own character: antique cabinets, 60s furniture and contemporary pieces are skillfully combined, all with an eye for the essentials so that you take home plenty of ideas. The bright hallways, bathed in friendly light falling through the numerous windows, are particularly inviting. Stressed city dwellers can unwind in the 6000 m² garden with its old fruit trees and two huge, shady chestnuts.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• The attention to detail in every room
• The stylish mix of antique and modern furnishings, wonderfully clear and without superfluous frills
• The wood-burning stove in each apartment – perfect for cozy evenings
• Several full baths (with rain showers), guaranteeing no traffic jams for morning showers.
• The theme of serenity is reflected in the names of rooms and apartments – almost all are lifted from the map: Sorgenlos, Adamhoffnung, Sommerstorf, Evchens Ruh, Friedrichsruhe, Engelswacht are pretty places in the vicinity.
• The 3,80 m long dining table in the Rheinsberg apartment – room for up to 14 people
• The free-standing bathtub in the honeymoon suite Engelswacht in the Old Kitchen; the suite also offers breakfast served in the room. You’ll never want to check out!
• The spectacular panoramic view of the beautiful Mecklenburg lake landscape from the living room in the Old Wheelwright's House
• Delicious regional food: the beautiful Gutshauscafé offers a regional breakfast (included for Bed & Breakfast guests), quick bites for in between, coffee and cake and a delicious dinner menu. And not to forget: wandering around the old orchard and snacking on blackberries, gooseberries and currants; the home-made apple juice – highly recommended – is available for purchase.
• The quiet village of Lexow, which has only 170 inhabitants but a beautiful medieval fieldstone church.
• The Großer Kressin, a wonderful bathing lake two kilometers away

GOOD TO KNOW:

• Families with children are more than welcome: in addition to a large trampoline and a sand pile with a fleet of construction vehicles, there’s a tree house and a slackline for adventurous explorers in the garden.
• Baby beds, mattresses for older children and high chairs are available free of charge; for quiet moments there is a large collection of children's DVDs, many board games and painting materials.
• If you wish, you can rent the whole house for up to 20 people.
• There is no grocery store, but a van with bakery, butcher, and general goods arrives weekly.
• Well-stocked kitchens: from vinegar and oil to salt and pepper to espresso makers, every conceivable kitchen gadget is available; and there are lots of spices fresh from the garden.
• From June to September there is a barbecue once a week: delicious grilled meat from the local organic butcher, combined with salads, couscous and rosemary.
• Fancy a round of tennis, squash or golf? The Fleesensee Golf & Country Club offers discounts to Gutshaus guests; stables with horse riding are also in the immediate vicinity, with special offers for children
• Sailing, windsurfing, water skiing or boating are popular lake activities – all available at Holger Brümmer’s water sports school at the Plauer See, for example.
• In peace and quiet lies power: a relaxed environment with modern conference equipment in a creative setting for seminars, meetings or team building (up to 24 people). The modalities are flexible – self-catering or an all-round package, cooking courses, outdoor events, fishing safaris or yoga sessions.
• Great excursion destinations with the kids: the summer toboggan run with monkey forest in Malchow or the maze in Bollewick; on cloudy days a visit to the indoor/outdoor water park in Göhren-Lebbin is a good idea.
• By car only 1.5 hours from Berlin, 2 hours from Hamburg
• Minimum stay for the apartments (depending on the season) 1 weekend, 4 nights or 1 week