Haus Nothweiler

It couldn’t be easier to find this vacation home in the southwestern tip of the Palatinate. First of all, the pretty village of Nothweiler on the German-French border only has about 120 inhabitants, so correspondingly few houses. Secondly, it’s located right in the old village center next to the church. And thirdly, the restored half-timbered façade of this home is so beautiful that it’s impossible to just walk past without noticing it. It took a whole four years for the farmhouse, built in 1730, to be brought back to life and shine in its new splendor. The listed building had been uninhabited for a long time, post-war extensions had to be removed, and the dilapidated structure had to be restored. Since spring 2025, guests have been able to stay in a choice of two spacious vacation apartments. Where the barn and stables used to be, there’s now a bright and airy apartment spread over three floors, connected by a black sculptural steel spiral staircase that’s a real eye-catcher. The gallery in the attic offers a wonderful view of Wegelnburg Castle. Features such as the centuries-old wattle and daub (clay plaster and wickerwork) between the roof trusses, combined with the modern design, create a unique atmosphere. From the residential building, the second accommodation, a three-winged French door opens onto the south-facing terrace, letting plenty of light into the room. Oiled oak floorboards and light terrazzo, custom-made furniture, design classics, subtle colors, and modern lighting complement the historic half-timbered charm. It’s a real treat to have discovered this magnificent spot in the Palatinate Forest-North Vosges Biosphere Reserve, surrounded by deep forests, ancient castle ruins, and utter tranquility.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• During the renovation, great importance was attached to authenticity. Most of the ceilings and walls have been restored with clay plaster, beams in the gable have been restored or replaced, and the building has been painted with silicate paints suitable for historic buildings.
• The open gallery in the former barn, bright and airy with beautiful views of the village and the surrounding area
• The successful combination of old and new. Color nuances from the time of construction, exposed ceiling beams, and unplastered clay sections between the half-timbering are complemented by a simple, contemporary design.
• The special details: The selected fabrics and tableware are of high quality, and books and art by artist friends add a personal touch.
• The color scheme in the barn—lots of gray and individual accents in red give the whole place an urban look.
• The spacious property is full of cozy spots with views of the countryside where you can stop and enjoy the moment.
• The quiet location of the border town of Nothweiler, where there’s virtually no through traffic. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle, you’ll find plenty of peace and quiet here.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• The vacation apartment in the former barn covers 116 square meters and can accommodate four people. There’s a bedroom with a double bed in the attic and a sleeping alcove with two single beds on the first floor. It also has an outdoor area with a barbecue.
• The apartment in the former residential building offers 112 square meters of space for up to four people, with two bedrooms on the upper floor. It also includes a terrace with a large garden and the former bakehouse. 
• Both apartments have magazines to browse through and a collection of games for cozy vacation evenings.
• Children under the age of three stay free of charge.
• In the surrounding villages, just a few kilometers away, you’ll find everything you need—from bakeries to organic markets—so having a car is an advantage.
• If you don’t feel like cooking, stop by the Naturhotel Wegelnburg, just 100 meters from the house, offering a summer terrace and excellent cuisine.
• In the middle of nature: Mixed forests, meadow valleys, bizarre rock towers, and legendary castle ruins make up the largest contiguous forest area in the country.
• Bathing fun: If you feel like cooling off, you’ll find beautiful bathing spots at the Seehof swimming lake in Erlenbach or at the one in Fleckenstein, just over the French border.
• The nearest larger cities are Karlsruhe, about 60 kilometers away, and Strasbourg, about 80 kilometers away, with its medieval city center and famous cathedral.
• There are plenty of opportunities to get active right on your doorstep: On the tour to the Gimbelhof, castle trails, rock paths, or the ‘Grenzgängerweg’ (the border with French Alsace is just 300 meters from the house). Cyclists can enjoy a leisurely ride on the flat Wieslautertal trail or bike through the French hills.
• Berwartstein Castle is a great destination for a short trip back in time to the Middle Ages. The Southern Wine Route is less than 30 minutes away, and the half-timbered town of Wissembourg is also worth a visit.

Photo credits: Constantin Meyer