The Birkenhof Uckermark - barn loft with sauna

“Less is more” – This is one of the golden rules for good design, which guided us in the restoration of our farm in the Uckermark. The Birkenhof includes several hectares of land with meadows, fruit and vegetable gardens and our small birch grove, which gave the farm its name. The stable building is ideal for families or small groups. The stable building can also be rented together with the farmhouse and washhouse. The space A stable on the outside, a big-city loft on the inside - this is how the building opposite the farmhouse looks today. Steel beams, clay plaster, panoramic windows and a solid plank floor made of local pine now give the interior the character of a loft. The exposed ceiling and exposed steel beams still remind us of the original use. On the ground floor is the large kitchen and the shower bath with a concrete look. The kitchen is equipped with a large induction stove. Stainless steel fronts dominate, complemented by wood. Shelves and the long wooden table with benches almost give the impression of a professional kitchen without disturbing the coziness. A large wooden terrace, on which the sun shines all afternoon, connects to the kitchen and invites you to eat in the fresh air. • Bathroom with a spacious shower • Fully equipped kitchen with an induction stove with 5 hobs and a large oven, suitable for cooking for larger groups • In the kitchen, a large dining table for 6 - 8 people; in the living room, a large table for up to 12 people • 2 small sleeping alcoves with 2.2-meter-wide family beds • Two large work tables 1 m x 2 m with file cabinets and seating, possibility to set up a screen for projectors and presentations, possibility for blackout We heat the sauna upon request for at least 4 guests. Please let us know in advance. It takes about 2 to 3 hours for the sauna to get nice and warm. The cost of the sauna is €15 per person per day. In return, we will provide you with a sauna towel and a bathrobe. Other things to note SUSTAINABILITY We have recognized our responsibility. It was a Saxon who coined the term 300 years ago: In his work “Sylvicultura oeconomica,” forestry expert Carl von Carlowitz described how forests can be used “sustainably,” meaning that only as much wood is harvested as grows back. Today, Carlowitz is regarded as a pioneer of a green economy. We believe that sustainability is more important than ever. At Birkenhof, we strive to plan, build, and live as sustainably as possible. Our house is an energy-plus house. At Birkenhof, more energy is generated than is consumed. The electricity is generated by our own solar system. For the night, the electricity is temporarily stored in a battery. Excess electricity is fed into the grid, and our guests can charge their electric cars free of charge during the day. Heating is predominantly with wood. Since 2026, modern heat pumps have been part of our heating system. These systems are particularly efficient, but they require careful and proactive use of heat, as they respond more slowly than conventional systems. Wall heating ensures a first-class indoor climate. This type of heating is particularly even and long-lasting, but it responds more slowly than conventional radiators. This means that all exterior walls are heated, and there are no cold surfaces inside the house. The house itself was renovated with environmental considerations in mind. The walls are plastered with clay, which also helps to create a pleasant indoor climate. A lot of local pine wood was used, some of it from our own forest. The pine floorboards were only oiled and otherwise left untreated. During the renovation, we used durable and therefore sustainable materials. The house is more than 150 years old, so hopefully it will be preserved for a long time to come. Our houses are listed buildings and deliberately adhere to a sustainable heating concept. In the living areas, a comfortable temperature of around 20–22°C (68–72°F) is achieved. However, very high room temperatures are not provided in all rooms. Therefore, please make sure to use energy responsibly. In particular, windows and doors should not be left open continuously, as this significantly reduces the heating output. In the farmhouse and the barn, there is also the option of additional heating in the living area using wood-burning stoves. This allows your personal comfort level to be adjusted flexibly.