Little Eight

Reviewed by Emily McDonnell

A simple-yet-chic former GDR house with natural interiors, cosy corners and huge windows that frame the landscaped garden

Type:

Self-catering house

Costs:

From €240

Sleeps:

Up to 8

Where?

Lindenhagen, 1 hour 40 from central Berlin

What?

When owners Johanna and Dirk gave architect Thomas Kröger the brief for their house, it simply said “bring the outdoors inside''. Well, he more than delivered, transforming a former East German country house into a shining example of modern architecture, where the star of the show is nature. No detail has been overlooked, for instance, the downstairs floors feature smooth pebbles, giving you the feeling of a riverbed underfoot. The huge windows and large fireplace make the space oh-so cosy and it feels almost impossible to leave.

The muted colours, clay walls and wooden furnishings are not only comforting, but they allow the landscaped garden - created by Rainer Elstermann -to shine through. The garden isn't visible from the front of the house, hidden by birch trees and tall grasses: it's a peaceful oasis, bursting with colour regardless of the time of year. For a while, it's your private paradise, and we wanted to spend all our time here, from breakfasts on the lawn to sunset wine amongst the flowers. A stay at the Little Eight is good for your mind and your soul, as the whole world seems to slow down and you find space to appreciate the things that really matter.

Why?

I fell in love because...

Every detail within the house has been designed to help you connect with nature, from the muted colours and wooden furniture to the stone floor and clay walls
The garden is a work of art and looks beautiful whatever the season

You must...

Bring books so you can curl up in different places around the house and garden, and just enjoy doing very little
Walk through the Uckermark’s stunning forests and soak up the trees’ goodness

You might dislike...

You’re at the edge of a village so have a few neighbours, but the outdoor space feels very private
The clay walls are a bit sensitive, so you have to be careful with them

Who?

Introducing Johanna and Dirk!

“We wanted to create a simple and refined house that would inspire people to appreciate modern architecture.”

They love…

“The view to the garden through the living room window blows us away every single time! We love curling up by the fireplace and just gazing out into the garden - this daydreaming time always restores our energy and calms our minds.”

Johanna and Dirk’s insider tips

Swim in one of the region’s stunning lakes: Badestelle Lindenhagen is a 20-minute walk away
Go forest bathing, aka, talk a long walk through the rolling hills and local forest
Explore by e-bike (rental in the village), by boat (rental in Lychen) or by horseback (a few stables are nearby)
Do nothing! We created a cosy space so you can just kick back and relax

What people
are saying.

“It was fantastic! What a great house with a beautiful garden. The view in the morning from the big windows is priceless. Very quiet location and ideal for relaxing.”

Anita

“The small eight radiates a special peace, which we, fleeing from Berlin's bustling centre, appreciated very much. The house and garden form a wonderful unit.”

D.B.

The essentials.

Sleeping arrangements: There are three bedrooms, the master bedroom, a dormer room for two people, and a dormer room for 4-6 people. The house can sleep a maximum of 8 people.
Bathroom set up: There’s a downstairs bathroom (shower) and an upstairs bathroom (WC only). Only hand soap is provided, so bring shampoo and shower gel.
Food: There’s a fully-equipped kitchen, and basics are provided (oil, salt, pepper and tea). Bring coffee!
For families: The house is great for families with older children. The walls are very sensitive (as they are made with clay) which means they don't react well when touched by lots of little hands.
On-site equipment: There’s a fireplace with wood available for burning.
Help: Johanna and Dirk are a phone call away.
Remember to pack: Coffee, beach towels and books!
Pets: Not allowed.
Sustainability: The house was built using sustainable methods.

Where?

Little Eight is located in Lindenhagen, Brandenburg, in the Uckermark region.

You can easily drive, and it takes 1.5 hours from central Berlin.

With public transport, it takes 2 hours. Get the train to Prenzlau and then catch the bus directly to Lindenhagen.