Küsselhof

There’s nothing left to be desired at this 160-year-old farmstead near Boock on the German-Polish border, not far from the Szczecin Lagoon in Mecklenburg. In fact, what makes this place so special is the absence of things: traffic noise, hustle and bustle, stress, and too many options. Instead, it offers a wealth of experiences that only country life can provide: cranes strutting across the fields, balmy summer evenings in the garden, starlit night skies. The seasons feel more intense, and you can spend the day with that wonderfully grounding feeling of walking barefoot in the grass. Annette Herrmann, a culture agent, and Tobias Siebert, a musician and producer, were drawn to the countryside from the city of Berlin. For years they searched for the place that felt just right. When found the Küsselhof, they immediately lost their hearts to it. It had stood empty for many years, and the property became the couple’s “construction site of love” over the next five years, into which they poured all their energy. The farmhouse now has three guest rooms – Fasan, Kranich, and Schwalbennest – on the upper floor. Flooring made of Mecklenburg pine, refurbished furniture, and muted tones make them cozy retreats. The living area on the ground floor below is a convivial space, equipped with a kitchen, fireplace, and access to the sun terrace and garden. The hosts’ 25 years of networking in the fields of music and culture serve them and their guests well – there are regular parties, concerts, and readings held in the large ballroom. After all, this old farm is far too beautiful not to share with others.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• The rooms are insulated with ecological building materials – the bedrooms with clay plaster and the bathrooms with lime plaster – creating a cozy atmosphere in the rooms. The vintage furniture in natural tones, all bought second-hand and lovingly restored.
• The vintage furniture in natural tones, all bought second-hand and lovingly restored.
• The farmstead from 1860, enclosed by buildings on all four sides, lay dormant for 25 years. With the utmost care and largely on their own, Annette and Tobias rebuilt the old farmhouse to its original state.
• Great attention was paid to authenticity during the renovation. Since the old windows could not be saved, they were recreated in detail, including the decorations, but with triple glazing to keep the interior nice and cozy.
• The delicious cappuccino from the Italian portafilter.
• Regular events are held here. In the past, artists such as WIM, Herrenmagazin, and Robert Stadlober have performed to sold-out crowds.
• The four hectares of land surrounding the farm offer plenty opportunities to find a favorite spot, such as the endless garden with seating and lounging areas or the sheltered courtyard, where it is always a touch warmer than outside.
• The creative solutions with which the hosts have made a virtue out of necessity. The best example: fire safety regulations required a reservoir for firefighting water, which now serves as a swimming pond in summer.
• The secluded location in the middle of fields with sweeping views over rolling hills. Cranes, frogs, and crickets take turns providing the background music throughout the year. And sometimes deer come into the garden.
• When the wind comes from the north, it sometimes blows a bit of sea breeze into your lungs.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• The rooms range in size from 20 to 41 square meters and each has its own bathroom with shower. Kranich (the Crane) offers a beautiful view into the distance with its skylights, as well as the option of adding an extra bed for a third person. Fasan (the Pheasant) has a balcony and a panoramic window, while Schwalbennest (the Swallow’s Nest) opens onto the courtyard with a view of the linden tree. Both rooms can accommodate 1-2 people.
• Where the Wohnsalon opens as a café for pancake Sunday every fourth Sunday, there is a fully equipped communal kitchen, where each room has a compartment and storage space in the refrigerated counter.
• A small or a hearty breakfast can be booked. Also a great way to start the day: porridge with fresh fruit and nuts. Regional and organic products are used whenever possible.
• Guests may request special cooking or baked goods.
• The small farm shop sells wines, hazelnut cream from Piedmont, apple juice from the farm's own apples, and honey from Rothenklempenow.
• Once a month, the legendary Pancake Sunday offers pancakes, homemade cakes, and specialty coffees – outside in the garden when the weather is warm, or cozy in front of the fireplaces in the café and in the large hall during the colder months.
• In the future, there will also be special evenings with wine tastings or guest chefs cooking for the guests. As space is limited, reservations are recommended.
• The 100m² hall, affectionately known as Rindi in reference to its former function as a cattle barn, has an excellent sound system and a stage. So if you're toying with the idea of a larger celebration, you might feel inspired to make it happen here.
• Küsselhof is about 1 hour and 40 minutes by car from downtown Berlin. If you're coming by train, the hosts can pick you up in Löcknitz or Pasewalk by prior arrangement.