Die.Vier in Wieck

The Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula has only the best of everything to offer: Long white sandy beaches, enchanting forests, the roaring sea and a tranquil lagoon-like landscape in the hinterland—the ‘Bodden’—plus plenty of art and culture. There’s something different to discover in every village on the island. The peaceful village of Wieck auf dem Darß, right next to the Bodstedter Bodden, is best known for its thatched fishermen’s houses. Inspired by this traditional building style, architect Norbert Möhring designed four modern vacation homes, reinterpreting these typical fishermen’s houses. ‘DIE.VIER’ are an architectural highlight that blend naturally into their surroundings and designed like a “village within a village”. Exteriors are an understated anthracite, while interiors embody a successful mix of modern and cozy. Kitchens in matt black, concrete and light-colored wood and textiles made from natural materials define the interior. All accommodations have a similar layout, but each one is furnished in a different style following a specific theme. If you love films, DAS.ERSTE has a home cinema, an extensive online media library and classic films on DVD. The world of literature is the focus of DAS.ZWEITE, which not only has well-stocked bookshelves, but also a cozy living area with a fireplace, making it the perfect setting for long hours of reading. Music enthusiasts feel at home in DAS.DRITTE. In addition to a Nubert speaker, there’s also an in-house playlist. Art takes center stage in DAS.VIERTE: The walls of the open-plan living room are adorned with works by Dresden artist Anke Ewers. What all four designer vacation homes have in common is the peace and seclusion of the fishing village of Wieck auf dem Darß, the view of the natural garden with its bee meadow, the fresh sea air all around—and the best feeling in the world of always being close to the sea.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• They look great! The façades are lent a fascinating structure by the brushed plaster finish combined with the extensions clad in dark wood.
• How harmoniously the purist architectural style, inspired by the fishing huts and barns of the region, blends into the surroundings while still maintaining a very modern look.
• Each house has its own terrace, surrounded by graceful grasses, clematis and roses that convey that Baltic Sea feeling.
• The open shape of the property creates both space and secluded spots for retreat. The boundary created by a wild flower meadow is particularly pretty—a real biotope in summer, where bees, bumblebees and butterflies can be found.
• The rooms are really spacious and capture the expanse of the Baltic Sea. So even when you’re indoors, you still have the feeling of being right in the middle of nature.
• When the fire is crackling, relaxation almost comes naturally. Fortunately, there’s a fireplace in all of the houses ...
• Where would you want to be after a winter walk on the beach if not here? The ensemble includes a Finnish sauna for everyone, accessible via an outside staircase. The sauna heater heats the cabin up to a temperature of 105 degrees Celsius (221 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Feeling so close to the sky: In the lounge area on the high deck (especially recommended after a sauna session!) you can try to reach for the stars. A speaker provides the right relaxing music.
• The cool prints by Lars P. Krause in DAS.DRITTE. The Dresden native is considered the best poster artist in Germany.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• DAS.ERSTE is suitable for up to four adults and two children (preferably with an affinity for films, of course!), divided into a family room with a double bed and sofa bed and a double room.
• The literature house DAS.ZWEITE with its two bedrooms is designed for two to four people.
• The music house DAS.DRITTE can accommodate up to four people. There are two bedrooms with double beds and en suite bathrooms on the upper floor.
• Two bedrooms with comfortable double beds plus a beautiful gallery view into the living area are offered by the art house DAS.VIERTE. Up to four people can sleep comfortably here.
• The houses differ in size, but have a similar layout. On the ground floor, there is an open-plan living, dining and cooking area, while the bedrooms are one floor higher. Two buildings are connected to each other via an extension.
• Travelling with kids? Baby beds and highchairs can be provided for an extra charge.
• A large sauna towel is part of the basic package. Bathrobes and infusions can also be booked. The sauna can be booked exclusively via the hotel’s own tablet and is controlled by a coin-operated machine.
• The houses are equipped with all the good things that make life easier and more enjoyable: Bed linen and towels, underfloor heating, dishwasher and washing machine, coffee machine, Smart TV and Netflix as well as Wi-Fi.
• You can also make the most of rainy days here with a varied cultural program: Visit the art museum, small galleries and artists’ workshops in Ahrenshoop, the nature film festival or take a stroll through the villages to marvel at the colorful front doors. They are the hallmark of the peninsula and some are over 200 years old.
• And what are we doing today? There are plenty of tips on the website, especially for nature lovers: From the Darß Forest—a real primeval forest unaffected by human influences—to the legendary West Beach (one of the 20 most beautiful beaches in the world according to cultural broadcaster arte!) and Bodden cruises on the traditional Zees boats.

Photos: Elena Kraemer