Kleiner Hof Lanke

Reviewed by Emily McDonnell

Three apartments packed full of charm in a red-brick farmhouse with a sprawling garden, found at the heart of one of Brandenburg’s stunning nature reserves just a stone’s from a crystal-clear lake

Type:

Three self-catering apartments

Costs:

From €100

Sleeps:

Up to 9

Where?

Lanke, 1 hour from Berlin

What?

We’d intended to visit Heidi, Kleiner Hof Lanke’s creator, for a quick coffee, but ended up staying for hours, embraced by a deep warmth as she shared her love of the area, the expansive nature that begins on the doorstep, and the property that she has - stone by stone - transformed into a home filled with warmth. It’s not just us that feel inspired and joyous at Kleiner Hof Lanke - no less than three couples have gotten engaged in the oh-so-romantic Garden Apartment.

If you’re a Brandenburg lake aficionado, you may even have driven past the house on your way out of Berlin to Leipnitzsee, which is exactly how Heidi found it, passing by one summer’s afternoon. She found it in ruins, but there was something about it that compelled her to buy it, and we are so happy she did.

As an interior designer who transformed sprawling loft spaces for New Yorkers in the early 2000s, Heidi has an exceptional eye for creating unique spaces. Over 10 years, she has put love, sweat and tears into transforming the former farmhouse into a restorative escape. The three apartments are a beautiful mismatch of objects. The Large Apartment, for instance, has a gorgeous, original yellow Kachelofen and dotted through the same room is an 80s record player, a bold metallic lamp and modern art prints. Whichever apartment you opt for, you’ll feel completely at home - we cannot wait to go back.

Why?

I fell in love because...

The garden is full of fruit trees, wildflowers and hidden corners, plus if you head out of the gate at the end of the garden, you’ll find two stunning lakes surrounded by ancient forest
Heidi considers herself more a guardian than an owner, and she loves nothing more than for people to make themselves at home in this beautiful corner of Brandenburg

You must...

Submerge yourself in nature: hang out in the garden with a book, and stroll around Obersee
Bring your bike, and cycle up to Liepnitzsee with a picnic, one of the region’s most beautiful lakes

You might dislike...

Depending on the season and wind direction, you might hear the Autobahn
At the front of the property, inside the gates, is an additional building, which belongs to someone else, please avoid going too close to the neighbour's private space

Who?

Introducing Heidi!

“It was complete chance that led me to find this space, but I feel it was meant to be. I’ve slowly adapted each corner of the property, making sure it feels special and has heart.”

She loves…

“Kleiner Hof Lanke is a magical place that has grown naturally over the years into an eclectic, rustic hideaway.”

Heidi’s insider tips

Do nothing and simply spend time with yourself and your loved ones
Take a walk around Hellsee, discovering the overgrown castle park originally designed by Linné
Head out to Bogensee (a short drive) to see the abandoned "FDJ-Kaderschmied" and Goebbels Summerhouse, which is tucked away deep in the beech-tree forest
Visit Liepnitzsee, and swim in its turquoise waters

What people
are saying.

What a tender little escape from the city. All the small details were considered, flower branches, wood, organic and rustic decor, a feeling of timelessness.

Maria

We really enjoyed our stay there. The location is amazing, surrounded by two beautiful lakes and forests. The house is beautiful and cosy, perfect to escape from the city and enjoy a perfect weekend. We definitely will be back.

Jose

The essentials.

Need to know: There’s a 2-night minimum stay, and a €50 cleaning fee will be added. Kleiner Hof Lanke consists of three sides of an old farm courtyard, the fourth side is owned by someone else’s property, please keep your distance and respect their privacy.
Sleeping arrangements: The small apartment sleeps 2, the big apartment sleeps 4 (double bed and twin beds), and the garden apartment sleeps up to 3 (double bed and sofa).
Bathroom set up: Each apartment has its own bathroom with a shower, but the small apartment also has its own bathtub.
Food: All apartments have a small kitchen, which allows guests to prepare full meals. Note that the small apartment currently only has two hot plates and no oven. Immediately outside the hof’s gates, you’ll find a seasonal food stand selling fruit, veggies, honey, and jams. There are some restaurants in the village and the nearest supermarket is 6 km away. Seeschloss by the Obersee has decent German cuisine and the Jägerheim in Ützdorf serves game from the surrounding woods.
For families: Children are welcome, but note that the grounds are open, and the apartments are not baby proof We suggest the big apartment rather than the garden one for families with younger kids. Note that there is no specific equipment onsite.
On-site equipment: There’s firewood you can use, and lots of books to read.
Remember to pack: Bring beach towels for lake swims and speakers if you want to listen to music.
Help: Heidi is usually on-site or easily reached by phone.
Pets: Pets are not allowed.
Sustainability: Much of the house has been renovated using materials that have been upcycled.

Where?

Kleiner Hof Lanke is found in the small village of Lanke in Brandenburg.

It’s an easy drive from Berlin, just 40 minutes, and there’s on-site parking.

You can arrive with public transport; get the train or S Bahn to Bernau bei Berlin, from where you can get the bus to right outside the door. It’s also a 40-minute cycle from Bernau bei Berlin.