Birdsong in the morning, a crackling fire in the evening – that’s how it should be in the countryside, right? At Birkenhof, a holiday rental in Brandenburg’s Uckermark, this is exactly what you get. This modern accommodation is situated on the grounds of a former farm in the village of Casekow. The farmhouse and outbuildings have been gradually and carefully converted by owner Stefan, an architect by trade. They’re suitable for all kinds of getaways: trips with friends, wellness weekends and multi-day company retreats. In the barn, there is a large multifunctional living area that can serve as a workshop venue and includes a rustic kitchen-diner. In the evenings, the fireplace transforms it into a cozy space. The upper floor of the farmhouse is also kept open. Another highlight is the spacious bathroom with a large bathtub for a spa-like experience. The two houses each sleep 12 people, and can be rented separately.
The buildings are home to furniture Stefan made with help from the carpenters at Woodboom. The wood was his own: Stefan is proud owner of a patch of woodland and likes to give guided tours explaining his approach to forestry. Sustainability is close to his heart: the roofs of Birkenhof are covered with solar panels which produce 75 percent of the electricity consumed on site. Then there’s the impressive sauna complex, which includes floor-to-ceiling windows and is heated using wood from the forest. You can spend the day watching the brown hares from the spa before dowsing yourself with a bucket of cold water. During our team excursion, we made use of all the farm’s facilities and left wishing we could stay longer. One thing’s for sure: we will be back!
Text: Nina Trippel / Photos: Savannah van der Niet
Birkenhof, Dorfstr.5, 16306 Casekow; map
@derbirkenhof
