Hof Grillenöd

Until recently, we had never doubted that Astrid Lindgren’s Bullerbü was in Sweden. And only there. But since we’ve discovered Hof Grillenöd, it’s been pretty clear that a place of longing that makes us think of the smell of fresh hay and pancakes with blueberries, where everything seems alright with the world, also exists in Lower Bavaria. “When we arrived at this abandoned spot thirty years ago, I had a hunch that I may have found the place to realize my dreams,” says sculptor Mona Zimen. Although the old farm was in ruins after several fires, she was enchanted by the location between the dense forest, the open valley and the mountain ranges on the horizon. The idea was not only to create a small organic farm here, but also a meeting place for people from all over the world. Inspired by the Swedish homeland of her late husband Erik Zimen, a well-known behavioral scientist, an ensemble of wooden houses in red and white, including a stable, barn, shed and a small chapel, was gradually built here. While the hostess lives in the main house and works there in the sculptor’s studio, guests stay in one of the two vacation apartments on the first and second floor of the red guest house. Scandinavian-style furniture, light colors, wooden floorboards, antique furniture, lots of art and historic stoves create a feel-good atmosphere. And outside the door, the adventure of nature awaits in the form of chickens, sheep, Galloways and dwarf donkeys, a swimming pond with a jetty, dense blackberry bushes, elder and fruit trees, and gently rolling hills. And even though Mona’s four adopted children have long since grown up and she now regularly organizes art events here for the grown-ups, what makes this place really special is that it awakens childhood memories—or gives rise to new ones. 

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• The wonderful sleeping situation: Four-poster beds for the adults, cozy bunks for the children
• A rocking chair in every apartment invites you to finally relax and enjoy a good browse or doze off for half an hour.
• The romantic nostalgic flair with silver cutlery, porcelain and embroidered home textiles from days gone by
• All the wood used in the vacation accommodation comes from the owner’s own forest.
• Whenever it’s in bloom outside, the guest apartments are decorated with fresh flowers.
• Grillenöd is a retreat for people looking for peace and quiet in a stunning environment. 
• For twenty years, camps for six to fifteen-year-olds have been held on the farm in summer, with mud baths and overnight stays in hay, donkey rides, moonlit movies and campfires.
• The artistic vibe: The apartments feature sculptures made by Mona Zimen herself. Many more of her works can be admired or purchased in the large studio in her house. 
• Above the estate is a small courtyard chapel, designed in Swedish style on the outside and full of art by painter Rut Kohn on the inside—a place to pause and find inspiration.
• From the house you can walk directly into beautiful natural fields and forests.
• The farm reveals its charm throughout the seasons—especially as you can experience spring, summer, fall and winter here directly on your doorstep.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• Both apartments are 110 square meters each and can accommodate two to four people.
• Guests can use the spacious, lovingly landscaped garden with views over the valley and the hilly scenery, where there’s a dining area, a barbecue area and a playhouse for children.
• There is literature available for children and adults for the frosty days, as well as painting and craft materials and games. 
• A fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher is available; table and bed linen as well as towels are included in the price.
• There are organic food stores in the nearby towns of Vilshofen and Rotthalmünster where you can find provisions to prepare your own delicious meals.
• If you’re in the mood for an excursion, it’s best to ask your host Mona, who has lots of tips in store—such as the cycle tour to Sandbach: Cross the Danube there on the old ferry, stop off in Vilshofen and pedal back to Grillenöd via the Apfelradlweg (apple cycle path).
• If you’re in the mood for city life, you can reach the three-river city of Passau with its historic old town in around 30 minutes by car; if you fancy even more nature, head for the Bavarian Forest National Park.
• Frosty outside? The spa triangle of Bad Griesbach, Bad Birnbach and Bad Füssing with its thermal baths isn’t far away.
• The farm is a place for those seeking peace and quiet, a meeting place for artists to exchange ideas or realize projects—symposia and studio days are held regularly—plus there’s an adventure playground for children in the summer.
• During the school vacations, the vacation apartments are only rented out on a weekly basis.