Spacious apartment in a manor house near the Saale and Elbe rivers

Our apartment in the little village of Schwarz (Calbe/Saale) is part of an old, family-owned four-sided farmstead. Schwarz is just a stone’s throw from the Saale Cycle Route and a few kilometres from the Elbe Cycle Route. When you close the farm gate, you can leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind in the courtyard, shaded by grapevines. Or you can set out from here to explore the region’s highlights: Dessau, Quedlinburg, the Harz Mountains, Magdeburg—or perhaps just the nearest swimming lake. Perfect for cyclists, families, or for writing a book in peace.

The Accommodation
Our family took over the historic, protected farmstead a few years ago. We’ve already renovated the interior of the main house; on the outside, it’s still in its slumber. Not for perfectionists, but all the more so for romantics. There are a total of 4 apartments in the main house; ours is on the first floor. Old, sanded-down plank floors, high ceilings, radiant floor heating beneath clay plaster and natural colours—a spacious, historic home spanning over 80 square metres. In the inner courtyard, you can sit in a wonderfully sheltered spot with a view of the grapevines (sometimes we think we might as well be in Tuscany).

Once you’ve climbed the high steps of the venerable staircase and opened the apartment door, you find yourself in an open-concept kitchen-living room. In the centre is a small kitchen island, along with a dining table and an ancient, beautiful tiled stove—though it’s now purely decorative and no longer provides heat. The kitchen features a refrigerator with a small freezer compartment, a dishwasher with a few tabs, a 4-burner stovetop with an oven, a Nespresso coffee machine with a starter supply of capsules, a kettle, a small selection of tea, a toaster, and, of course, plenty of dishes and pots, as well as pepper, salt, sugar, olive oil, etc.

The first bedroom is located next to the kitchen. It features a double bed (180 cm x 200 cm) and a view of the courtyard.

The large living room is also accessible from the kitchen. It features a sleeper sofa where 1–2 tired souls can stay overnight if needed. For perfect evenings: a wood-burning stove, a 43-inch smart TV (Netflix, Amazon Prime, streaming services, satellite TV), and a Sonos speaker for your favourite playlist.

The living room leads to the bathroom, which features underfloor heating, a towel warmer, a sink, a toilet, a freestanding bathtub with a shower head, and a shower curtain. A hair dryer, towels, shower gel, and toilet paper are, of course, provided. There’s also a washing machine and dryer here.

The second bedroom is accessible from the living room. It features a double bed (140 x 200 cm) and a bunk bed (2 beds, 90 x 200 cm).

With 50 Mbit, you’ll have excellent Wi-Fi internet access here in the countryside. So if you want, you can work here and participate in video conferences. But it’s also a great place to simply go offline. It’s entirely up to you.

In the wonderfully romantic courtyard, there’s a seating area with a grill and a parasol just for you. If you’re in the mood for a little fire, go ahead and light the fire pit.

You can park for free in front of the house (on the street). Feel free to park your bikes in the courtyard. The courtyard gate is locked at night, so your bikes will be safe there as well.

We also have a wallbox in the courtyard where you can charge your electric car. You’re welcome to use it by arrangement.

Additional important information
The other courtyard buildings are not accessible for structural reasons!