Villa Julie

As you approach this historic house on foot, with its arched and bay windows and sandstone features, you’ll immediately begin to sense all the beauty that awaits you here. It feels a bit like a journey back in time, to the days when the nobility still arrived here by carriage. The path winds through a large park full of old trees, coming to an end at a sandstone staircase leading to the villa’s vestibule. Built between 1903 and 1904 on a small hill in a beautiful location on the Southern Wine Route not far from Landau, the house is classified as historicist but also features Art Nouveau elements on the façade and interior. What a treat to be able to spend your days off in such a special spot. The grand, extremely photogenic staircase leads to the bel étage, where a vacation apartment is located. The floors are finished with herringbone oak parquet, the walls and ceilings are painted with white lime wash. The original doors have been meticulously restored, and even the old hardware is a real sight to behold. Oriental rugs, antique furniture, and curated art are combined with simple, beautiful design classics. To bring these historic walls into the present, it required a major renovation project spanning several years. Today, it’s hard to imagine the tremendous effort that was involved. Now, all you need to do is simply sit back and enjoy being idle. You’ll soon find that in a place with such a long history, it’s really easy to lose track of time.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• The historic monument, named after the builder’s wife, is a true gem with its sandstone elements, turrets, and arched windows.
• There are so many extraordinary details to discover in and on the historic building, bringing the past back to life: Sculptures, inscriptions, columns, vaulted ceilings, and artfully carved banisters.
• The charming bay window, accessible via two steps from one of the bedrooms, is a favorite spot for reading and letting your mind wander.
• The mix of antiques, design classics, and modern double beds with very comfortable pocket spring mattresses
• The sweeping view from the private balcony of the vineyards and the village
• The historic villa sits on a gentle hill in the middle of a park spanning approximately 2,800 square meters, which enjoys a profusion of flowers in spring and summer.
• Some of the trees are as old as the house itself, their shade offering a wonderful place to relax—ideally in a lounger.
• The villa is an oasis of tranquility—no traffic noise, just birdsong. In summer, the cuckoo calls from the nearby forest, and on warm nights, fireflies can even be spotted in the park.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• The vacation rental occupies the main floor of the estate. It measures approximately 120 square meters and accommodates up to four guests. It features a living room with a spacious balcony and two bedrooms.
• The apartment can be rented with children aged 10 and older.
• The village has a general store with a café. On Saturdays, a small weekly market offers regional fruits and vegetables.
• Set slightly apart from the hustle and bustle of the Wine Route, Weyher is one of the few villages located directly on the edge of the Haardtrand, making it a great starting point for bike tours and hikes through the Palatinate or for leisurely walks.
• Villa Ludwigshöhe and Rietburg Castle (accessible via a chairlift) are within walking distance and feature a large observation deck with views over the Rhine Valley. By car, you can visit Hambach Castle, Speyer with its beautiful old town, Jewish quarter, and Imperial Cathedral, Weißenburg in nearby Alsace, Schwetzingen Palace, and Heidelberg.
• The neighboring villages of Rhodt, Hainfeld, and Burrweiler, with their characteristic half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, are also worth a visit.
• Within a 10-kilometer radius, there are several Palatinate Forest huts—quaint spots to rest your weary feet and enjoy some Dampfnudeln and Federweißer wine.
• If you’re in the mood for action, head to the Blättersberg, where there’s a paragliding launch site at an altitude of 520 meters. For less adrenaline-fueled moments, we recommend a round of golf in Essingen or Neustadt-Geinsheim, the tennis courts in Hainfeld and Edenkoben, and the outdoor pool in Edesheim, nestled amidst the vineyards.