Gulffhaus am Mandepolder

Soft sandy beaches and fresh sea air, plus the Wadden Sea: East Frisia is a wonderful place to spend your vacation! The best place, of course, is in one of the cozy East Frisian houses. These are perfectly adapted to the Nordic coastal landscape with their elongated and low-pitched roofs and the many small and large windows and doors. The historic farmhouse form from the 16th and 17th centuries, designed in post-and-beam construction, originally combined living quarters and stables under one roof. The vacation home of Friederike and Helmut Schmidt is one of these typical North German farmhouses, also called Gulfhäuser, as Gulf was the East Frisian term for stable. The house, with its fantastic garden, is situated in a wonderfully secluded location, just a few hundred meters from the coast. Various types of fruit trees and berry bushes, magnificent forest trees and bushes: an oasis not just for butterflies, dragonflies and birds. Here you quickly forget the time, relaxing on romantic benches, swinging toward the treetops on the tree swing and listening to the chorus of birdsong. The house itself has been lovingly renovated. Exposed studwork and refurbished windows and doors emphasize the country house charm, which is timelessly beautiful. Also great is the mix of antique furniture and designer pieces, and the simple floral arrangements and Kahla ceramic ensembles that add a touch of maritime flair. The big, comfortable bed in the master bedroom is heavenly to sleep in, and the kitchen with its wonderful view is a great place to cook. It's really cozy in front of the fireplace in the living room, where reading material stands ready. East Frisia, with its wide marshlands and moors, untouched salt marshes and unique mudflats, invites you to go cycling or walking ¬ twice a day on the seabed! And for those who nevertheless prefer to relax at indoors, the Gulfhaus am Mandepolder has are many wonderful comfy corners. 

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• Time-out in the countryside: right on the edge of the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site in the middle of a diverse natural environment, crisscrossed by smaller and larger watercourses and surrounded by natural meadows and fields.
• The sunset over East Frisia: an extra seating area has been set up in the garden just to watch it.
• The consistent use of natural materials such as wood, wool and linen; the interior is very pleasant.
• Space for good food and time together in the large dining room with a view into the garden
• In some places the old brickwork is still visible: the stones set in shell limestone bring out different shades of color.
• The many windows and doors, which provide light and air, and a panoramic view.
• In the back the roof is still thatched.
• The triad of natural habitats: the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site of Lower Saxony, the East Frisian Marshes Landscape Reserve, and Ostermarsch, one of the last authentic coastal villages on the coast of Lower Saxony
• The silence and solitude of the great outdoors; the only sound is the birdsong.
• Millions of migratory birds pass by; on the beach you can discover cockles and shore crabs.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• A small welcome package awaits newcomers: welcome to Gulfhaus am Mandepolder!
• The kitchen is the heart of the house–ecookbooks are available for inspiration 
• The master bath has a sink, shower and toilet; a second bath has a bathtub.
• A basket of firewood is available for cozy hours by the fireplace.
• A baby bed is available on request for an extra charge.
• The Vogelpfad Ostermarsch ¬ Ostermarsch Bird Trail – leads directly past the Mandepolderweg.
• Fresh fish can be bought all along the coastline.
• The East Frisian Islands are only a stone's throw away and easy to reach by ferry.
• The Wadden Sea National Park of Lower Saxony covers an area of 345,800 hectares and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the ebb and flow of the tides create a very special coastal landscape that provides a unique habitat for 10,000 animals and plants.
• The Emden Art Gallery is known for its excellent exhibitions, the Ostfriesland Biennale is held once a year, and the cultural history of East Frisian tea is presented in the Tea Museum in Norden.
• Weekend booking is not available in the main season.