Kleine Bleibe

In Reckenthal, a charming, sleepy village in the Westerwald with only 114 inhabitants, you’ll find the KLEINE BLEIBE (roughly translated: the Small Abode). The secluded residence is the epitome of a new kind of holiday culture. Here, nature and your own sense of self take absolute priority. Those who spend their time here make a conscious decision to live sustainably - the core of the hosts’, Caro and Nils, dream project. To achieve complete sustainability, they pulled out all the stops and considered every little detail: from energy generation to material selection to travel planning and cleaning - everything in the KLEINE BLEIBE is based on the “reduce, reuse, recycle” principle. Using resource-saving construction methods, they created two modern, clean-lined holiday homes, both of which radiate one thing above all, inside and out: peace. Each building is unique in itself, but adhere to regional tradition: the substantial foundation and the black wooden façade pay homage to the listed, half-timbered houses in the surrounding area. The Waldwunder house, with its 60m² over two levels, is designed for up to four people, and with an eye to the Westerwald’s tradition of sharing good company. The Haus Gipfelglück, on the other hand, is designed for just two people - perfect for nature lovers who want to recharge their batteries together, but give each other space at the same time. Its 42m² extend over three levels. You can immerse yourself in the free-standing bathtub or browse through your own library. The KLEINE BLEIBE provides impressive proof: original and eco-friendly holidays are possible! And highly recommended ...

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• KLEINE BLEIBE is uncompromising about its stewardship of nature and the environment.
• The timeless architecture of the houses, the outdoor terraces, the well thought-out, discreet interiors, the high-quality materials and the clean-lined look create a holistic, peaceful tranquility where you can just let yourself fall – wonderful!
• The choice of wood was deliberate, because it is a renewable raw material with a good ecological balance: walls, façade, insulation, ceilings, roofs and furniture - everything is made of wood.
• All textiles are made of pure organic cotton, the mattresses are handmade using natural renewable raw materials.
• Artful dining: plates, bowls and cups are designed by a Frankfurt artist and produced by hand in cooperation with a regional ceramics manufacturer - each piece of crockery is thus a unique piece of Westerwald Stoneware!
• You can literally switch off here: the fridge, the hairdryer and the WLAN router are the only electrical appliances in the house - the latter can be conveniently switched off with a flick of the wrist (even if it takes some getting used to, there's something to be said for having no reception!).
• As soon as you settle into the window seat in the living area and take a look outside, you forget that you are in a building ...
• The Hitzekiste, the KLEINE BLEIBE’s separate sauna, is at the free disposal of all guests; taking a sauna while losing yourself in the green vista through the panorama window is something no one should miss out on.
• Nice people, fresh air, sound sleep, untouched nature - what more could you want? As soon as you arrive at the KLEINE BLEIBE, you realize that the only answer to this question is: absolutely nothing.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• The KLEINE BLEIBE is easy to reach by public transport via Montabaur railway station. A bus runs from there to Reckenthal.
• The small village is famous for its sculpture trail, with contributions by various artists. It leads through the middle of the Gelbach valley past the KLEINE BLEIBE.
• The region offers its guests countless opportunities for either a relaxing or active holiday – or both! – in the great outdoors. You can explore the area on nature trails, bike paths and hiking trails – all against the breathtakingly beautiful backdrop of the idyllic valley streams of the Nassau Nature Park.
• Excursions to the old towns of Montabaur, Limburg or Diez are worthwhile: you can marvel at beautiful half-timbered houses, castles, fortresses, and a cathedral.
• Younger guests will enjoy a visit to the Gackenbach Wildlife Park - all kinds of fluffy four-legged friends, such as alpacas, brown bears and raccoons cavort there; also in great demand: the park’s adventure playground and the summer toboggan run.
• As there are no shopping facilities around the KLEINE BLEIBE, the hosts recommend shopping in Montabaur at the Italian grocery Via Des Gusto or at the organic food shop.
• Children under five stay free of charge.
• The minimum stay is three nights.

Photos: Célia Uhalde