Alte Gendarmerie & Albererhof

In Übersee, between the southern shore of Lake Chiemsee and the Chiemgau Mountains, stands a gendarmerie built in 1890. Angela and Marcus Schelling, both doctors from Munich, had had their eyes on it for years—from the windows of the Hebammenhaus, diagonally across the street, where the family spent their vacations. When the station, which was in need of renovation, went up for sale, they seized the opportunity. Eight years later, they also acquired the neighboring Albererhof, a protected historic building and one of the oldest farms in the village. Where law and order once reigned, today it’s all about letting go, taking a deep breath, and savoring the moment. The conditions for doing so could hardly be better: The Alte Gendarmerie boasts four spacious vacation apartments, each with a view of the distant peaks, and another four apartments in the Albererhof. In order to preserve as much of the original structure as possible and renovate only where absolutely necessary, the buildings were carefully restored. Historic elements such as the original wooden doors were preserved, and parts from buildings that had to be demolished were reused: old beams, floorboards, doors, and a tiled stove from a traditional inn. Inside the apartments, lime plaster creates a pleasant atmosphere, while wood and natural stone floors add to the coziness—and antique pieces, paintings by local artists, homemade jam, and fruit from the garden ensure that vacation feeling sets in the moment you arrive. By the way, there are plenty of ways to keep that feeling alive – reading by the fireplace, going on a hike that starts right outside the front door, enjoying Kaiserschmarrn at an alpine hut, sipping an aperitivo in the garden, or sailing and stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Chiemsee. Speaking of which: Is there anything better than hopping on a bike right after waking up, riding down to the lake and taking a swim with a view of the mountains? Not really.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• The blend of original architecture and contemporary design—like the lime-green Luxembourg chairs set against the centuries-old wooden facade. Inside, linen, felt, pastel colors from Farrow & Ball, and designer pieces by Gervasoni meet original wall cabinets, old Italian chandeliers, apothecary cabinets, and restored farmhouse furniture, complemented by selected works of art by regional artists
• That the apartments are all unique—from the one-room Kneissl apartment with a wood-burning stove in the kitchen to the Alberer, which spans two floors in the oldest part of the courtyard, featuring a Swiss stone pine bed and a tiled stove.
• Each apartment offers a beautiful view of the Chiemgau mountains and the surrounding greenery—whether from the terrace, the garden, the balcony, or the rooftop terrace.
• To wind down the day by a crackling fire. During the cold season, a wood-burning stove, wood-burning range, or fireplace (in addition to the central heating!) provides cozy warmth in the apartments.
• The lovingly landscaped farm garden with wooden benches, climbing roses, and hydrangeas, a herb garden, espalier fruit trees, and raspberry bushes
• The hosts, Angela and Marcus Schelling, who live in the historic Hebammenhaus across the street and, with their infectious enthusiasm, make you long for country life. If you’d like, you can learn all about bees and honey from the organic beekeeper.
• When Angela invites you to her garden for an aperitivo. By evening light and amid birdsong, she serves regional cheese specialties and freshly baked sourdough bread with homemade apple champagne.
• The charming little farm shop where guests can stock up on organic products from the farm: honey, jams, juices, vinegar, and wines.
• The “bread bike”. If you don’t feel like walking to the bakery, grab the farm’s shared bike and cycle quickly into the village for breakfast rolls.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• The eight apartments are spread across two historic buildings: four in the Alte Gendarmerie (for two to five people), four in the Albererhof (up to six people).
• Children ages 12 and up are welcome
• Available to borrow: games, a table tennis set, guitar, hiking poles, books, CDs, DVDs, and yoga mats; the washing machine and kettle grill are shared
• For regional products, the surrounding farmers’ markets are well worth a visit—cooking tips are often included for free.
• Sustainability is a priority for the hosts: 100 percent green electricity, heat pump heating, and CO₂-neutral wood-burning stoves fueled by regional wood; all bedrooms in the Alte Gendarmerie have a power cut-off switch (to reduce electromagnetic exposure at night).
• Many outdoor delights can be found nearby. Hiking trails start right outside the front door, and the nearest alpine pastures are within walking distance. Chiemsee is also just a ten-minute bike ride away. In summer, you can swim at the sandy beach; in winter, cross-country trails and ski slopes beckon.
• You can store your own bikes in the lockable bike shed.
• In Übersee, you can rent electric cars via an app or use “Traudl,” the on-demand bus.
• The Übersee train station is an eight-minute walk away: it’s a ten-minute ride to Traunstein, 45 minutes to Salzburg, and about an hour to Munich—trains run hourly.