Kyritzer Budenhäuser

A sign reading “Welcome to Kyritz on the Knatter” greets visitors entering this historic town in Brandenburg's Prignitz district. Contrary to what one might think, the Knatter is not a river, but rather the sound of wooden mill wheels, which could once be heard everywhere in the town. Anyone familiar with the 1950s comic series about Nick Knatterton knows that Kyritz is the master detective’s hometown. The characters from his adventures now lend their names to six tiny houses in the town's monastery district. They have been converted into unusual holiday homes and are now called “Virginia Peng” or “Max Wachs.” In 1740, the daughter of the mayor of Kyritz had the simple houses built along the city wall as homes for day laborers and craftsmen – a dubious luxury, with up to ten people living in an area of about 30m². After standing vacant for many years, the listed buildings have now been renovated and the facades refurbished. To make the most of the limited space, the ceilings were opened up to create sleeping galleries accessible via stairs or ladders. In keeping with the original terrazzo flooring, the living space was lined with sheet asphalt. Today, the individual cottages are furnished with a mix of modern furniture and retro and mid-century elements, combining rustic charm with comfort. But the greatest luxury is grabbing a warm blanket and a glass of wine or a cup of tea in the evening, finding your favorite spot in the garden, and counting shooting stars. The night sky is simply incredible!

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• The pretty facades, each with its own character, one in half-timbered style, one with some original bricks, all with shutters and doors in different colors
• The clever solutions that have been found to make vacations possible in the smallest of spaces. Every corner is used optimally, yet the rooms feel bright and airy.
• Each house has its own color scheme, which is reflected in the interior with muted tones and natural materials such as rattan and wicker, combined with fixtures and paint in pastel green, rust red, or sand.
• How the abandoned houses, from which trees were already growing, were saved from decay and reinterpreted in accordance with old craft traditions and with great attention to detail. The care taken with their restoration was awarded with Brandenburg Building Culture Award.
• The garden, with a lawn for sunbathing, which can be used by all guests. Putting halloumi, sausages, and grilled vegetables on the grill here in the evening and striking up a conversation with the neighbors rounds out a perfect day.
• The indoor swing in “Virginia Peng,” attached to the old roof beams, is not only beautiful, it’s also fun!
• The bedrooms, with their sloping ceilings and old ceiling beams, become cozy retreats.
• In “Konrad Knicker,” you can shower with a view of the old Kyritz city wall, which—sandblasted and freshly grouted—forms the interior wall of the bathroom.
• The special details, such as an antique typewriter, two old-school tennis rackets, and an old Kodak camera as wall decorations, or a discarded fruit crate for storing books.
• Our favorite destination is the island of Kyritz. To get there, you have to hit a red frying pan with a hammer on a jetty on Untersee lake, and then you'll be picked up by a cutter and sailed to a cute tavern with a beer garden and island park.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• All six houses, ranging in size from 32 to 45 square meters, have an open-plan living area with a kitchen (some with a dishwasher) and a converted sleeping loft in the attic. They are suitable for two to four people.
• The walls are plastered with clay to create a pleasant indoor atmosphere and have energy-efficient floor and wall heating.
• There is a shared laundry room with a washing machine and dryer for all guests.
• If you prefer a double bed, you should check in advance which houses have beds that can be pushed together. It’s not possible in most of them due to a protrusion in the loft – but that's all part of the tiny house adventure!
• Traveling with several people? Then the adjacent “Molly Moll” and “Konrad Knicker” are particularly recommended, especially in summer. Both have a small terrace where you can meet for breakfast on nice days.
• Toiletries and kitchen essentials such as coffee and tea are provided in the cottages.
• To explore the Kyritz lake chain from a new perspective, two stand-up paddleboards are available. Guests can store their bikes in the bike room. A picnic basket can also be borrowed.
• The train station and the historic town center with its restored half-timbered houses are just around the corner, and the chain of lakes and plenty of unspoiled nature can be reached by bike.
• There are many beautiful spots for swimming, boating, and fishing nearby. The surroundings, with forests and wide meadows, are also ideal for hiking and cycling.