MariaMaria

Reviewed by Emily McDonnell

A secluded former red-brick chapel from the 1860s, with gothic stained-glass windows and meditative corners, radiating warmth, making it the perfect group getaway

Type:

Self-catering house

Costs:

From €250-420

Sleeps:

Up to 10

Where?

Döllen, 1.5 hours from Berlin

What?

Hidden in a sleepy village in Brandenburg’s Ostprignitz-Ruppin district, behind rusty iron gates, you find find a collection of listed brick and stone buildings from the mid-1800s. The elongated former stables, which also had a life as a catholic chapel named Maria von den Engeln, are now a home-from-home, radiating warmth. Owners Marion and Bernd wanted to create an atmosphere where guests feel as if they’re coming to visit good friends who are travelling and have left a note saying: ‘Make yourself at home, we'll be back later’.” And it’s safe to say they’ve succeeded in this mission.

The two are a designer and a photographer, and their eye for good style is apparent throughout. They have left original features - such as the high cross vault and Gothic stained glass windows in the chapel - as they are, allowing them to act as a centre point of the room, while carefully weaving mismatched furniture with personal photography and paintings to create a homely feel.

We love the expansive kitchen, with its panoramic views, but even more so, we love the garden firepit, huge terrace and herb garden, and we love the paths that lead from the grounds, to a wild orchard and beyond into expansive nature. Our only issue with MariaMaria is that it’s not home; we wish we could stay, simply waiting for those friends, who will be back later.

Why?

I fell in love because...

A stay here is beyond restorative; the creaky iron gates at the end of the garden lead only to fields and forests
The heart of the home is the gorgeous kitchen, with a view over the garden and beyond, to the wild orchard where you can pick as much as you can eat

You must...

Spend time in the former chapel - meditating, playing or reading - to soak up its historic, restful energy
Head out to Insl, a truly hidden gem in northern Brandenburg, and spend the day swimming in the lake (or rent SUPs) before enjoying some mouth-watering food

You might dislike...

There is an additional cleaning fee of €130 added, and you have to make a €300 deposit
It’s probably best to travel here by car, as the nearest supermarket is 15km away, and the closest train station is an hour’s cycle ride

No items found.

📸 Schönberger

Who?

Introducing Marion and Bernd!

“We found this place on a foggy, mystical day in November, 13 years ago. The neighbour had the key and showed us the church with a huge flashlight. We immediately fell in love with this magic place.”

They love…

“The property is an architectural wonder! We love the original details and have left as much as possible: for instance, we adore going directly from the rectory to the chapel with its stucco angels.”

Marion and Bernd’s insider tips

Invite your nearest and dearest, and spend time together cooking, sipping coffee and walking bare foot through the garden
Go swimming in one of Brandenburg's lakes near to the house (the closest is 15km away), before cosying up in front of the fire
If it rains, drive out to the thermal baths (with saunas) at Bad Wilsnack
Take a long hike through the surrounding forests, or, if you’re a bit tired, go donkey trekking instead!

What people
are saying.

"We love Maria Maria for the creative vibe that inspires us to make art right away. More attention to detail is not possible. We will come again and again and again... Thank you Marion and Bernd."

Dorina

"Rarely have we been to a place that was created with so much attention to detail. MariaMaria is a very special place that invites you to just be there and take your time. The photos do not come close to how beautiful each room is in reality."

Lucille

The essentials.

Need to know: A €130 cleaning fee will be added, and there’s a 2-nights minimum stay (or a 7-night minimum during school holidays).
Sleeping arrangements: The standard pricing is for 6, but the house can comfortably sleep up to 8, 10 at a squeeze (extra guests are charged €30 each per night). There is one king-size bedroom, three double bedrooms, and one twin bedroom.
Bathroom set up: There is an expansive bathroom with a bath and overhead showers. There’s also an outdoor shower with warm water. Organic shower gel and shampoo are provided.
Food: There’s a full kitchen here, complete with everything you need to cook up a feast. Basic ingredients are provided (salt, pepper, sugar, oil, vinegar, tea and spices) and you can pick herbs from the herb garden. The nearest supermarket is 15km away and a few good restaurants are a short drive away.
For families: Children are welcome, and a highchair, toys, games and tableware for children are provided.
On-site equipment: There are various games, books and DVDs here, as well as a table tennis table, rackets and balls.
Help: Marion is available should you need her, and there is also a caretaker.
Remember to pack: Wellies in case it rains, and slippers to keep cosy in the house.
Pets: Pets are not allowed.
Sustainability: The house has been renovated using natural materials only, and there is a photovoltaic system on the roof.

Where?

MariaMaria is located in Döllen, northern Brandenburg.

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

It’s a bit complex to get here by public transport, as you’ll need to cycle. You can take the train to Glöwen or Breddin, from where it’s a 1-hour bike ride.