Hermann & Mia

The glass-fronted rooms offer a view of the emerald green waters of Lake Constance, and a historic country villa just down the slope, peeking out from the greenery and surrounded by old fruit trees, berry bushes, and flowering shrubs. This was once the home ofHermann and Mia Hesse, the prominent namesakes of the two modern, architect-designed houses that stand directly opposite each other and where guests have been able to spend their vacations since 2023. While the view from the windows evokes feelings of nostalgia, the timeless interior design inside brings us back to the here and now: elements of steel and light wood, combined with soft white and beige tones. The rooms are laid out in an open floor plan, with a floating staircase connecting the different levels. Because everything is so bright and airy, it feels a bit like being in a beach house. And in fact, the accommodations are just a five-minute walk from a secluded swimming spot where you can cool off on warm days, picnic on the lake shore, or stretch out and doze in the sun. Speaking of relaxation: if you like a quiet vacation, you'll feel right at home here in Gaienhofen, away from the bustling towns and shores of Lake Constance. The small community with a village vibe and cozy bays is surrounded by hills, forests, and vineyards. Even though the twin houses haven't been here for very long, they blend in naturally with the surroundings and the structure of the village. The hosts, Anke and Felix Krohmer, who put all their passion into creating dream destinations like this, say of their vacation home philosophy: “We see architecture as a means to a very important end: creating space for unforgettable experiences with loved ones.” Here on Lake Constance, that could be a real sure-fire success. 

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• The airy, light, delicate design that makes us feel close to nature.
• The veranda under the sloping roof, an ideal place to enjoy a classic from the pen of the famous author while looking out at Hermann Hesse's former home.
• The gravel-covered terrace with lounge furniture, fringed parasols, and rattan lanterns—a favorite spot at any time of day.
• The open living area on the ground floor, the heart of the house, where guests can cook, eat, and enjoy a glass or two of wine while engaging in good conversation.
• Whether you're taking a bubble bath in the wood-paneled bathtub on the gallery or lounging in your bed, the lake and the green hills are always in view.
• The two hosts, Anke and Felix, have a penchant for authentic cuisine and are happy to share their insider tips on regional delicacies with their guests.
• You’ll feel welcome right away with the bottle of good wine from the region that is waiting for you upon arrival.
• The atmospheric open rooms are cozy any time of year, whether the sun is shining, snow is falling outside the windows, or rain is pouring down outside.
• Life is slower, quieter, and more traditional here on the Höri peninsula on a side arm of Lake Constance than in the bustle of the more populated shore.
• Those who like to follow in the footsteps of great artists can visit the Hermann Hesse Museum or the writer's former home; the neighboring village of Hemmenhofen is home to the Museum Haus Dix, the former studio and home of painter and graphic artist Otto Dix.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• Both vacation homes have two double bedrooms and each is suitable for four people. They can be rented individually or together and are ideal for a vacation for two, with friends, or as a family.
• One of the double bedrooms is located on the ground floor, another bedroom is located on the upper floor, and there is also a pull-out couch as a backup.
• The open kitchen offers everything you need for cooking together – plus an Aarke sparkling water maker for the best Lake Constance drinking water.
• The two vacation homes are also ideal for off-site meetings or workshops: they offer a feel-good atmosphere and inspiration for creativity. Long-term stays of up to six months are possible.
• Here, you can enjoy an active vacation: swimming at the beach, water sports, hiking on the Höri peninsula, or cycling (for example, on the 270-kilometer Lake Constance circular route, which passes through three countries). If you're in the mood for wellness, head to the Hotel Hirschen in Horn or the Bora Hot Spa Resort in Radolfzell to relax.
• There are beautiful excursion destinations nearby: boat trips on the lake, the monastery island of Reichenau, the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen, Stein am Rhein with its pretty old town, or Konstanz and Meersburg.
• If you don't want to travel by car, you can also easily reach the accommodation by bus and boat; the nearest train station is in Radolfzell.
• In addition to Hermann & Mia, the hosts have other beautiful accommodations to offer: a Black Forest house, an apartment in Venice, a listed castle ruin near Stuttgart, which has been converted into two architect-designed houses and now serves as a very special event location, as well as a beach house in Denmark: Strandhaus in Dänemark.