Sensitive renovation - preserving an old watermill and giving it a future

Taking on the task of restoring a historic monument is something for people with a lot of optimism, drive, and vision. Sometimes it seems to be an advantage not to know exactly what you're getting into beforehand. I've often heard: "If we'd known beforehand what was in store, we wouldn't have done it. But we'd still do it again."

Kerstin and Holger from Fischerhude also have similar experiences. This idyllic artists' village near Bremen is a gem in itself. For many years, I've been drawn there regularly for walks and gallery visits.

An old photo of the watermill and, on the right, the new wooden beams on which the building now stands.

A special architectural treasure was hidden in the center of town behind a facade maintained with questionable means: the old watermill. For many years, it served as a tourist restaurant before being put up for sale and discovered by chance by Kerstin and Holger, two people with the aforementioned character traits. Perhaps it was a bit like a stray cat that runs up to you: it wasn't actually planned, but you immediately take it to your heart and can't let it go.

The inner courtyard

And so, in 2015, the couple, with no prior experience, set to work. First, they gutted the house and then rebuilt it. What sounds brief and concise here was extremely complex and a strenuous undertaking that took years. Every single brick was removed, so that ultimately, almost only the timber framing remained. To create a solid foundation and because some of the studs had rotted through, the entire house had to be raised like a car jack to allow work underneath. The floor was excavated, the beams were blasted with dry ice, the facade was rebuilt (each of the bricks was brushed by hand beforehand. Every one!), and the joints were filled with shell lime. 14 tons of lightweight clay were placed in the wall cladding, copper pipes were laid, a wall heating system was installed, wood fiber insulation boards were screwed in front of the wood cladding, the interior walls were plastered with clay, and so on.

Insight into the renovation work

One challenge for the two was finding tradespeople who were familiar with such old houses and the requirements of historic preservation, and who were also interested in the details and intricacies that come with such a house. After all, nothing is truly standardized, and everything feels a bit off-kilter. And in addition, it's the little things, like decorative wooden window frames inside, that create the special atmosphere, but also take thought and time. Recommendations from their architect and other renovators helped. And unconventional ideas, too: "We got in the car and drove through the villages. When we discovered beautifully renovated old houses, we simply rang the bell and asked which tradespeople they had worked with."

The living room today

The two completed much of the work themselves, with help from family and friends. That takes time—especially when you're also working full-time. The first thing to be completed was the holiday apartment (the apartment can be booked at https://alte-wassermuehle-de.jimdoweb.com/ ). It's approximately 50 square meters and suitable for 1-2 people . They were then able to live there for the time being. In May 2017, they were able to move into the main part of the mill, where construction continued. The upper floor wasn't finally finished until 2023.

The holiday apartment

Anyone walking through the rooms today not only sees that people with good taste and a knack for design live here, but also senses a warm and cozy atmosphere. The colors and interior design contribute to this, but especially the indoor climate. The clay walls ensure a constant, pleasant temperature and dryness, allowing moisture to circulate so that nothing builds up.

The private rooms: bedrooms in natural materials, open kitchen, and a large dining table for many guests.

Through the renovation, they were able to reduce their primary energy consumption by 90% and thus received the “Green House Number” award for particularly energy-efficient buildings in the listed building category.

Award "The Green Front Door" and inviting entrance area

But that's not enough for the two. They have the idea of generating energy through aquathermal energy. Even though the mill wheel has long since disappeared, the stream still flows right next to the mill, and its power could be harnessed from the surface water. However, since this is a rather innovative approach with many bureaucratic hurdles, a photovoltaic system would probably be an easier step to implement. Unbeknownst to many, they say they are now also available in red, so they would also look good on the roof of a historic monument.

In addition to the building itself, Kerstin and Holger have also created a beautiful garden. With outbuildings and a workshop, a large terrace, and a courtyard opening onto the village street. No fence, no enclosure, despite the crowds of walkers who visit Fischerhude, especially on weekends. "We love that there's something going on here and that pleasant conversations always arise." Hence the idea of the vacation apartment. Many of their guests are regular visitors and have become friends.

Terrace, outbuildings and the idyllic natural garden

And what advice would you give to other people considering renovating a listed building? "Do it! It's a lot of work, but it's worth it. There are so many old buildings waiting to be revived. And they are so important to our identity and the region," says Kerstin.

They were particularly pleased by the response from the monument conservationist, who told them after completion: “The mill has now found its rightful owners!”

The dining table in the private rooms. A mezzanine leads up to the living room and bedroom.

Many thanks to Kerstin and Holger for the tour of their beautiful watermill!

Photos of the renovation: Kerstin & Holger

Photos of the current house & garden and text: Maike Kristina Harich