It’s almost too good to be true here – in Fergitz, this little village not far from Gerwswalde, in the middle of the Uckermark. Only the rustle of leaves can be heard as you stroll past the old church to the Rote Scheune. And here, too: absolute silence. Not only in terms of the absence of noise, but also visually. This accommodation is grounding – through mindful design. Opened by Stefanie Schneidler in 2014 – after she converted half of the former barn into the stylish retreat with her husband Matthew Newman. In the process, she preserved the charm of the former farm building: Enter through the weathered large wooden gate and stand in the covered, quaint center section of the barn, while the gates on the opposite side open up a view of the garden. A plain wooden table invites you to take a break, and the open fireplace illustrates: this is the place to arrive – and come down. To the left and right are the two vacation accommodations, which can be booked individually or together. The somewhat smaller guest house offers space for four people on two floors. On the ground floor, in addition to the living room with fireplace, there is a modern mauve-colored open kitchen with an adjoining terrace. On the upper floor you can sleep in two separate rooms, perfectly bedded in superb bedding.

The muted wall colors and combination with the partially exposed wooden beams and old wooden furniture combine with modern elements such as black window frames and minimalist elements, such as simple built-in cabinets to rooms that you do not want to leave. That would be a shame, of course, because right outside the door awaits the Oberuckersee lake and the gently rolling countryside, with a few cows grazing that look like something out of a picture book. If you want to experience all this with more than three other people: There is room for up to ten people in the main house. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, you can see from the covered barn into the kitchen and living room. The black cooking island is a highlight, but the centerpiece is the dining table with eclectic vintage wooden chairs in the middle of the room. This is where we gathered as part of our little team outing at the Rote Scheune. Later, we moved to the Mah Jong sofa and forgot about time for a moment while playing Monopoly. There’s also room for individuality upstairs: each room has its own character. Partly designed as railroad rooms, partly directly accessible, the rooms are charmingly cozy and everything feels connected. Long curtains add a dreamy touch, a casually draped sheepskin invites you to snuggle up, and the garden view becomes a living image through the black windows. An open window at the end of the hallway with a rocking chair makes you long for hot summer days. In winter, the freestanding bathtub becomes a hot spot in the truest sense. You don’t even want to leave, you just want to linger. Or maybe in the garden on the loungers, the swing, or even by the fireplace? The Rote Scheune offers every need its place and groups space for both: togetherness and moments alone.

Text & Photos: Nina Trippel

Rote Scheune, Ort Fergitz 7, 17268 Gerswalde; map
You can book here.

@rote.scheune