Guesthouse berge

Reviewed by Emily McDonnell

Sixteen gorgeous apartments, each with their own personality, hidden in the Bavarian mountains, showcasing the power of simplicity

Type:
Self-catering apartments
Costs:
From €150
Sleeps:
Sixteen apartments for 2-6
Where?
Aschau im Chiemgau, 6h 45 from central Berlin

What?

The philosophy of this 350-year-old guesthouse? Omit everything that isn’t necessary. Why? So the simplicity opens up new perspectives. This not just the ethos of Guesthouse berge, but of its owner, the world-renowned designer Nils Holger Moorman. Nils had never set out to run holiday apartments, but when he acquired the plot of land in the foothills of the Alps (more specifically, the striking Aschau im Chiemgau) where the warehouse of his furniture firm would be based, it came with a listed house dating back to 1671. 

Nils - knowing he wanted to share this corner of the world with as many people as possible - applied his signature way of working to preserve the house. The ancient structures remain but completely stripped back and paired with sleek, modern interiors. Exposed wooden beams meet matt black surfaces, and brick walls are highlighted by statement light fixtures. Each of the 16 apartments is completely unique, and we could happily spend years holidaying here, rotating from room to room. If you can tear yourself away, hiking paths begin at the edge of the landscaped garden and the entire region is postcard-perfect.

Why?

I fell in love because...
  • Each apartment has its own personality, and the principle that ties them all together is high-quality furniture, local and natural materials, and a sense of freedom
  • The mountains literally start on your doorstep, and waking up to a view of the mountain’s peaks is oh-so-wonderful
You must...
  • Explore the mountains (make the one-hour ascent to Hofalm or to Maisalm) and then kick back and relax in the beautiful garden
  • Make time to eat! There are a lot of local producers who sell their products to restaurants and farm shops in the immediate vicinity (for instance, the farm store of the market garden Irmgärtchen)
You might dislike...
  • Phone signal in the area is pretty hit and miss; but you’re here to unwind, right?!
  • There’s a busy road in front of the property, but inside it’s peaceful 
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📸: WeMakeThemWonder, Jaeger&Jaeger, JuliaRotter, NilsHolgerMoormann

Who?

Introducing Nils Holger Moormann! 

“I bought the house in 2005, with the aim of restoring it to be a warm, welcoming place for guests, while adding a modern design edge to it.” ‍

He loves…

“The contrasts that create a unique atmosphere: creaking floorboards meet untreated steel, and clay plaster walls and exposed stone walls meet large glass surfaces.”‍

Nils Holger Moormann’s insider tips 

  • Lake Chiemsee - aka the Bavarian Sea - is just 7 km away. While it’s often busy, you can still find peace and quiet at Schöllkopf or lido Feldenhe.
  • An incredible rewarding hike is that from to Gorialm (below the Kampenwand), which is also a little challenging. It takes approximately two hours, but you are rewarded with the most beautiful view of the Chiemsee.
  • Visit DASMAXIMUM, where you can view Heiner Friedrich's private collection of art from the 1960s to the present day, including work from Andy Warhol, Georg Baselitz, John Chamberlain and Dan Flavin.
  • Stop by at Moorman, my design HQ, and the place berge originated from! The team is very happy to provide tours.

What people
are saying.

"Beautiful interior design, easy access to the gondola and great staff. We enjoyed every minute of it!'

Una

"An old farmhouse, absolutely authentic and ecologically renovated: you can always expect positive surprises here."

Christoph

The essentials.

  • Sleeping arrangements: Each apartment has a different layout sleeping from 2 to 6 people. The bedding is half-linen and is produced by a German manufacturer from the Swabian Alb.
  • Bathroom set up: Bathrooms are shower only, and come with bathrobes and a cosmetic set with shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and soap.
  • Food: In all apartments - except Bergebude and Vorderstübchen - there’s a well-equipped kitchen with induction hobs (no ovens). Basic equipment, including salt, pepper, sugar, tea and coffee, can be found in all apartments with kitchen. Ingredients for breakfast can be brought to the door on request. Beverages can be found in the honesty bar in the cellar ('Dunkelkammer').
  • For families: Families are more than welcome, but some of the rooms have steep staircases meaning they’re not suitable for younger kids. Discuss your family’s needs when enquiring.
  • On-site equipment: There’s a small, select library in every room, featuring classics and the owners’ favourite novels, as well as a communal Literatenkammerl (readers’ room). You can also borrow headlamps and sledges from Moormann (a 3-minute walk).
  • Optional extras: You can request a breakfast box, which is full of ingredients to whip up a delicious breakfast.
  • Help: You are provided with a code to access your room, but help is available at the Nils Holger Moormann headquarters just across the street.
  • Remember to pack: Hiking equipment so you can explore the Alps, and swimming stuff so you can dive into the mountain lakes.
  • Pets: Dogs are welcome in two apartments - state when booking.
  • Sustainability: The 350-year-old house was renovated as environmentally consciously as possible, reusing materials when possible and working with local craftspeople.

Where?

Guesthouse berge is located in Aschau im Chiemgau, close to the Chiemgau Alps.

It’s nearly a 7-hour drive from Berlin. It is possible to arrive by public transport.

The apartments are a 20-minute walk from Aschau (Chiemgau) station, which can be reached in around 6 hours when coming from Berlin (the route goes via Munich).

How?

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