friz B&B and Lounge

Urban chic where you would least expect it: In the middle of the small town of Gundelfingen near Freiburg im Breisgau, Melanie Thoma and Ron van Es have created a modern bed and breakfast in a converted barn, originally built in 1843 and listed as a historical monument. It is as stylish as anything found in metropolises across the globe; hardly a wonder since Dutchman Ron, a freelance designer, has spent many years living in various countries around the world. Melanie inherited the former Pflughof barn in the Upper Black Forest from her grandfather Fritz, and as a child it was her adventure playground. Together, the couple has turned it into a retreat that combines rural and urban flair and captivates with cosmopolitanism and a unique sense of style. In the seven apartments, ranging in size from 40 to 120 square meters, historic architectural elements such as half-timbering and quarry stone meet exposed concrete, design interiors and contemporary art. FRIZ opened its doors at the beginning of 2017 and anyone who walks through them will be struck by the passion of the owners for collecting vintage and design classics. These are on display throughout the building, but especially prevalent in the lounge which is a blend of living room, antique store, art gallery and shop. It’s the creative heart of the place, where you sit immersed in a colorful world of rare found objects with patina—such as an Eames Fiberglass Rope Chair from the 50s, a street lamp as a floor spotlight or old tin racing cars, which the children can play with (and the adults too, of course!). At the back, you’ll find an old half-timbered wall with exposed stone, large windows and a Chesterfield sofa where you can enjoy homemade chocolate cake and espresso macchiato. Even the coffee here has historical flair it comes from an Italian portafilter machine from 1963 and is considered the best for far and wide.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• Rough and raw: Old ceiling beams and quarry stone walls meet raw concrete and open-plan spaces.
• Chic and casual: The relaxed atmosphere is created by a personal mix of selected furniture and accessories that are either timelessly modern or vintage.
• The open house concept: The FRIZ Lounge on the first floor is open to anyone who wants to have a chat, needs tips or wants to browse through coffee table books and magazines.
• On Saturdays between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. (or by appointment), the lounge is transformed into a design concept store for Mid Century furniture, art and collectibles.
• The garden may also be used. Here you can meet other guests over a good glass of wine. Particularly relaxing for parents of small children—the garden is fenced so that even the smallest visitors won’t get lost.
• The nice and helpful hosts
• The mattresses made of natural materials by a small Black Forest producer, which are super comfortable
• In most of the apartments, there’s a children’s play box and books.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• The vacation apartments each consist of a living room with kitchen, one or two open-plan bedrooms and a modern bathroom. Five of them are located on the first floor with direct access to the garden, two on the second floor.
• The apartments are perfectly suited to families. Children up to three years of age stay free of charge in a baby bed.
• Washing machine and dryer are available.
• The farmstead and the buildings have been included in the list of cultural monuments by the State Monuments Office.
• Gundelfingen is a community with 11,000 inhabitants: stores are within walking distance. From here you can go hiking or cycling: you can reach Freiburg in 15 minutes by tram.
• Excursions: Freiburg, the Black Forest, Weil on the Rhine, and Basel
• If your plans change: Free cancellation or rebooking to another date is possible up to eleven days before arrival.
• Coffee, tea and vegan natural cosmetics are available in the apartments.
• There’s covered parking for cars and bikes.