Artists' Residence

Reviewed by Emily McDonnell

A strikingly-unique lakeside house with a sauna and sprawling gardens, once the home of an iconic German playwright and his actress partner, filled with historic treasures from the GDR and international travels

Type:

Self-catering house

Costs:

From €1110

Sleeps:

12-14

Where?

Buckow, 1 hour from Berlin

What?

From 1952 until his death in 1956, Bertolt Brecht called this lakeside villa his home. During his time in the house, he worked more and more as a director, collaborating closely with his wife Helene Weigel, to develop his plays for the Berlin Ensemble. There is certainly a creative energy in the air, and the villa’s new owners have played around with the Brecht family's possessions, adding in a lot of their own, creating a mesmeric mix of GDR, Buddhist trinkets and international art. The result is astounding, and each of the bedrooms has a different personality - from a Moroccan-style suite to a Cuban-inspired chamber.

Hidden between the forests, lakes and hills of the Märkische Schweiz nature park (a beloved area of Theodor Fontane), this striking space is truly a piece of paradise. The villa itself is surrounded by what can only be described as parkland - a huge, open garden, with hidden statutes and walkways that lead to secret corners. The new owners bought the house for themselves, to share with their family and friends, and friend and caretaker Bernhard recalls how much fun each of the get-togethers is. Now, the house is available for rent, so we can share in the magic too.

Round up your nearest and dearest, and spend a weekend (or longer!) floating from the lake to the sauna, and from the kitchen to the lounge. The hardest thing you’ll have to do is leave.

Why?

I fell in love because...

The house is a treasure trove, full of artefacts, books and travel souvenirs; we could spend days just taking it all in
There is a sense of calm and creativity that radiates from the house; you’re staying in a piece of history

You must...

Simply sit in different areas of the house and garden and absorb the magical energy
Explore Buckow and the surrounding countryside; it’s a gorgeous little village with quaint cafes, nestled at the heart of a nature reserve

You might dislike...

This is a house that the owners still use from time to time, meaning it’s not a high-end getaway, but rather a living, breathing home from home
If you’re a fan of minimalism, the Artists’ Residence is not for you!

Who?

Introducing Bernhard!

“The house is owned by beloved friends, and I have the privilege of caring for it; it’s a space that always fills me with joy.”

He loves…

“The sauna is stunning, I could spend a whole evening going between the lounge area, the sauna with its old iron fire, and dipping into the lake.”

Bernhard’s insider tips

Bring your nearest and dearest, and spend a weekend together, laughing, cooking, and drinking champagne!
Take the sailboat out, and spend a day on the crystal-clear waters of the lake that starts at the end of the garden
Curl up in Brecht’s study with one of his plays, and read the words that were written there
Explore the nature reserve that surrounds the house; there are some circular walks that start on the doorstep

What people
are saying.

This house is ecclectic and richly layered, with interesting architectural elements, old paintings and art objects. With so much colour and intriguing design, it's hard to get bored.

Nihal

The turquoise lake encircled by dangling reed, glacing morning fogs, chirping birds and quaking frogs - completed with a sensitive planted and cared flower garden is bombastic.

Gesine

The essentials.

Need to know: There’s a two-night minimum stay, and a final cleaning charge of €300.
Sleeping arrangements: The house comfortably sleeps up to 14 in a series of incredibly individual rooms in both the house and in some of the outhouses (a small bungalow and the water tower).
Bathroom set up: There is a bathroom on each floor, and the rooms in the bungalow and water tower have their own ensuites. There is either a bathtub or shower in each. The house has an additional luxurious bath spa room. Bathrobes and towels are provided.
Food: There’s a fully-equipped kitchen, complete with spices, tea and coffee. There’s also both a wood-pit BBQ and a Weber grill. In the village of Buckow, you’ll find supermarkets, cafes and restaurants.
For families: The Artists’ Residence isn’t suitable for young children, as it’s full of small, delicate objects. Children over 12 are welcome, however.
On-site equipment: There’s a variety of games, books and a DVD collection.
Help: There is a caretaker, as well as a friend living temporarily (separately) on site who is (incidentally) a fantastic cook and can be booked for a full catering service.
Remember to pack: You’ll want for nothing here.
Pets: Pets are welcome, request when booking.
Sustainability: The house has been updated using natural materials, otherwise has been left as it was.

Where?

The Artists’ Residence is located in Buckow, east Brandenburg.

‍You can easily drive, and there’s on-site parking.

It’s easy to get here by public transport. Take the RB26 train from Ostkreuz to Müncheberg (40 minutes), then get the bus directly to Buckow (10 minutes). From there it’s a short walk.