Spreewaldhaus

The best way to start a vacation is to get into the mood as soon as you arrive. As you approach the village of Pretschen in the Märkische Heide, the path leads you through the deep forests and wide fields of the Lower Spree Forest. Watching the peaceful landscape pass by is almost meditative. Once you arrive at the Spreewaldhaus consisting of two accommodation units, the “Haus” (house) for up to six people and the adjoining “Stall” (barn) for four people, you immediately start feeling a sense of serenity. Located on the organic Pretschen estate, the lovingly renovated accommodation is situated in a village of 250 people in the middle of an unspoiled area that’s part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The owners, Prisca and Ben, have spent a year and a half transforming the detached house built in 1953 into a vacation home where you feel at home as soon as you step over the threshold. After many years of city life in Berlin, the couple and their two boys ventured out into the countryside, initially renting out two bungalows on Neuendorfer Lake before eventually turning the dilapidated house into a project close to their hearts. It opened its doors to vacation guests in 2022. Since then, it’s offered the best of both worlds. Magnificent nature with its mystical forests, floodplains and moors, countless streams and canals meets urban influences inside the house, which is modern, bright and airy. White and gray tones dominate, combined with pastel accents and warm wooden elements. Inside and out, it’s the perfect setting to escape the noisy, hectic world for a while.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• The bright and minimalist furnishing style conveys a sense of lightness, while loving details and well thought-out furnishings immediately create a feel-good atmosphere.
• The concrete look in the bathroom, metro tiles in the kitchen, a few vintage finds are all wonderfully harmonious and tasteful.
• The quiet location on the edge of the forest
• The terraces with both vacation apartments for hours of beautiful sunshine outdoors
• You don’t have to leave immediately after your arrival to fill the fridge, as the hosts will provide a box full of organic delights from the farm store on request.
• Attention is paid to sustainability. During the core renovation of the house, as much of the original building fabric was used as possible and modern external insulation was installed on the roof. Prisca and Ben attach great importance to native and low-water plants in the garden, and plastic is avoided wherever possible.
• So, did you sleep well? For sure! The super comfy box-spring beds and the peaceful surroundings provide the perfect conditions for restful nights and beautiful dreams.
• The leisurely, friendly village life. If you want to immerse yourself in it, it’s best to pop into the farm store on the estate, the bakery or the iconic restaurant in the center of Pretschen.
• There are lots of beautiful bathing lakes in the area: The quickest ones to reach are Neuendorfer Lake and Groß Leuthener Lake, both around a quarter of an hour’s drive away. Well hidden in the middle of the forest are the small and large Milasee Lakes with crystal-clear bathing water.
• All of the seasons are beautiful here: Spring when everything sprouts and blooms, summer when you can swim in the dreamy lakes, fall when you can go mushroom hunting in the woods, and winter which invites you to wrap up in thick layers and go for long walks. 
• The friendly hosts, the Oppermann family, are always easy to reach and take great care to ensure that you take home wonderful experiences and memories of the Spree Forest.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• The conversion was carried out together with the architects Boris Pizzeghello and Julia Rodríguez from Berlin.
• The “Haus” can accommodate up to six people with two bedrooms and the sofa bed in the living room. The “Stall” with its two bedrooms is suitable for four guests.
• Traveling with family and friends? Both accommodations can also be rented together. In total, there is space for up to 10 people plus two babies.
• Baby beds and high chairs are available on request for the little vacationers. Both apartments have a staircase without a safeguard, so you need to keep a close eye on children who are new to walking. Toys and books for the kids as well as board games can be found in the accommodation.
• If you fancy something tasty from the grill, there’s a charcoal barbecue and garden furniture you can use.
• The best ideas usually come when there are few distractions around. Like here. The Spreewaldhaus can also be booked for a workation, a great combination of working environment and relaxation!
• The lagoon-like river landscape of the Spree Forest has a network of more than 900 watercourses, which is unique in Europe. It can be easily explored on a traditional boat trip or on your own by canoe.
• Discover the region on one of the many cycling and hiking trails (with a well-filled picnic basket!). The Spreewaldhaus has two bikes which can be rented out per stay.
• Exciting excursion destinations aren’t far away: A climbing forest, an alpaca finca or the fascinating ruins of the Beelitz sanatoriums with a great treetop path. Prisca and Ben are happy to share their best tips!
• For work and rainy days: WiFi, a Bluetooth soundbox and a smart TV are available.
• Landgut Pretschen is one of the largest organic family farms in the region. The Phillip family produces vegetables, meat and sausage, milk, oils and a whole lot more complying with Demeter organic agricultural guidelines. The fantastic products from Pretschen can be found in organic supermarkets throughout Germany—or in their own farm store directly in Pretschen.
• It takes about an hour and a half by car from the center of Berlin to Pretschen. The nearest train station is Lübben, about a 25-minute drive away.