Altes Dorfhaus Sechzehneichen

Host Corinna Kassner and her brother Götz Kassner took a careful approach to the renovation of the old village house Sechzehneichen, set in a tranquil village in Brandenburg. Looking at what was already there and how it can be repurposed, they have managed to preserve the character of the small brick house and, at the same time, bring a breath of fresh air into the village house. The principle of upcycling is not only sustainable, it also tells stories. And there are many of them in this house. Before the renovation, everything was carefully scrutinized and each piece had something to tell about its previous life. Sometimes the hosts had to smile: The large dining table in the living room on the first floor, for example, has had quite an eventful life. It used to be in the attic, in the “model train room”. An entire mini world with hills, forests, small houses, a train station and many other little details was built on the tabletop. The model landscape had to go during the conversion, but the table was allowed to stay. As nice as it is in the house, its large garden is a particular plus point! Dog owners will be pleased that it’s fenced in. Children can play about on the lawn or have enormous fun building the inflatable pool. The house offers plenty of space for everyone and for relaxed country living. “Good Vibes Only” is the motto on a handwritten sign and that’s really not difficult to find here.  

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• The old rustic elements such as wooden beams, heavy wooden doors and the parquet flooring
• The large mullioned windows with a view of the garden
• The many vintage pieces of furniture that have been refurbished and combined with modern furniture such as Eames chairs or a Smeg fridge
• Everything in the communal areas is painted white and bright, with individual colored walls in the bedrooms. This provides additional coziness.
• The witty details that give the house its personality—it has retained its original character.
• Hanging out in the beautiful garden in the hammock and baking bread on a stick by the fire pit at sunset
• You can go for a walk in the woods and fields if you go through the back gate.
• The large garden with dining area, fire bowl, old trees and plenty of space to run around, play tag, do cartwheels or simply “just be”
• The fireplace in the large living room
• Nice idea: A Polaroid camera is also part of the equipment—so guests can take at least one picture of their vacation home with them.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• Children are welcome, baby travel bed and high chair can be booked, games are also available and there is an inflatable children’s pool in the garden.
• Good for dogs (and owners): The garden is completely fenced in.
• A mobile barrel sauna can be booked for an extra charge (please specify when booking, as it has to be delivered first).
• There’s an e-charging station.
• Old and new school: There’s a record player, but of course a Bluetooth speaker, too.
• The nearest town is Kyritz (10 minutes by car), where you’ll find the nearest shops.
• Only about 10 minutes away by car are the Obersee and Untersee lakes, where you can spend wonderful summer days. An absolute MUST is a trip to the Brandenburger Inselgarten “INSL Kyritz” with beer garden on a small island on Lake Untersee.
• Popular excursion destinations include the mummy of the knight Christian Friedrich von Kahlbutz near Neustadt or the Kyritz Heath.
• The thermal baths in Neuruppin are also worth a visit, with a certified healing spring, indoor and outdoor pools, a floating pool, a floating lake sauna and various themed saunas.
• Corinna Kassner’s Alte Schule Brandenburg is also available to rent in the same town.
• The journey from Berlin takes around one and a half hours and around two hours from Hamburg.
• Two nights’ minimum booking (three or four nights on public holidays or during school vacations)