The Old Vicarage

Reviewed by Emily McDonnell

Beautiful, “back-to-basics” escape with an enticing mix of cabins and loft-apartments, a stone’s throw from the Uckermark

Type:

Self-catering rental

Costs:

From €95

Sleeps:

Eight cabins and apartments for 2-4

Where?

Northern Brandenburg, 1h 40 from central Berlin

What?

Film-maker Martin and visual-artist Marieken spent years searching Europe for a place they could transform into the kind of bolthole they’d want to holiday: a place of simple luxuries. Eventually, they came upon 2-hectares in Uckermark: a crumbling former vicarage from the 1870s with a barn, stable buildings and a beautiful old garden. They spent years transforming it, and the result is a breath-taking collection of unique hideouts, each completely private and completely different.

Your connection to nature is key here, and cabins overlook meadows while loft apartments are surrounded by orchards. The farm shop is packed full of produce grown on-site, and you can go and pick your own veggies. You’re in the Uckermark, meaning adventurous hikes, bike rides and wild-swims are all on your doorstep. This is the perfect retreat for those seeking to disconnect from devices, and reconnect with oneself.

Why?

I fell in love because...

The mix of gorgeously renovated apartments means it’s hard to choose a favourite
You’re surrounded by wild gardens and orchards, and a short-walk from woodland, meadows and lakes

You must...

Spend your evenings stargazing from the sauna or hot tub: it doesn’t get better than this
Get some food from the farm shop: everything tastes better when its straight from the soil

You might dislike...

WiFi is pretty slow here, but come on, you’re here to disconnect
Use of the sauna isn’t included in the nightly price, nor are final cleaning costs

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Re:hof Rutenberg

Who?

Introducing Martin and Marieken!

“This is the kind of back-to-basics countryside holiday we always looked for, but rarely found. You can rediscover the simplicity of life with the added luxury of enjoying it in comfort.”

They love…

“Spending evenings here is a treat. Curl up by one of the fireplaces dotted throughout the gardens, and then - after visiting our sauna - you can enjoy the stars from the hot tub.”

Martin and Marieken’s insider tips:

Kronsee, a lake a 5-minute walk away, is oh-so clear, and never gets crowded. Head to the sandy beach from which you can wade out into the crystal water
All the streetlights go out at 11pm here, meaning that, on clear nights, the sky is illuminated with stars. Bring binoculars!
The region specialises in smoked vendace (a white-fish found in freshwater), and the delicatessen Fischerei Beenz smokes them daily throughout the summer.
Re:hof is about re-connection with the important things: bring a book, laze about, go for a picnic - just be present!

What people
are saying.

“Tasteful and unique architecture both outside and within the apartments. We loved the sauna with panoramic views of the field.”

— Alexander

“Beautiful garden houses in an idyllic setting. Great courtyard and grounds with a cute farm shop. We stayed one of the Summer Houses, and would come back anytime :-).”

— D. Tan

The essentials.

Sleeping arrangements: There are 8 apartments spread throughout the grounds. The Summer Houses, 3 cabins in the garden, each sleep 2. The Stables house 3 loft-style apartments for 2-4 (double room plus mezzanine with a double). The Vicarage has 2 double bedrooms (sleeps 4). And the Courtyard House also sleeps 2-4 (1 double, 2 sofa beds).
Bathroom set up: All rooms come with a bath and shower, but note that the Summer Houses (cabins) have a dry toilet.
Food: Each apartment has a kitchen and a fridge, so you can whip up meals. There’s an on-site farm shop selling seasonal vegetables from the garden and eggs from the chickens, as well as other regional produce. You can also get breakfast rolls daily, and other meals to prep back home (such as homemade soup). Rosalienho, Tenzo and Gusthof Kraatz come as recommended restaurants.
For families: The Vicarage is the best space for families, and children’s beds can be added to all apartments for a small fee.
‍Optional extras: Martin and Marieken can stock your fridge with yummy local produce before you arrive, just ask! If you want to use the sauna, you have to pay a little extra.
Help: Martin and Marieken
Sustainability: Environmental-consciousness central here, and they’re aiming for energy independence. For instance, the Summer Houses were constructed with clay and wood, they use solar panels for shower water, and have dry toilets.

Where?

The Old Vicarage is located in Rutenberg, Brandenburg, amongst 2 hectares of land at the edge of the Uckermark Lakes Nature Park.

It’s a 1hour-40 minute drive from Berlin, and you can park on-site.

Getting here by train is a breeze. Head to Fürstenberg (Havel) station, and jump on the bus to Lychen, from here, you can get picked up! Lifts from the train station are also possible on request.