German Houzz Tour: Fairytale Thatched Cottage on the North Sea
This rundown farmhouse was turned into an idyllic holiday home with sustainable materials and open, connected spaces
A thatched cottage on the German North Sea is the stuff of fairytales, but it took a lot of work to turn this 200-year-old farmhouse into a dream home. The owners of this property in the Dithmarschen region of Germany worked to transform it into a cosy holiday home with plenty of space for the whole family.
It was also important to the owners that the renovation was carried out with a view to both sustainability and longevity. They wanted to bring the home’s energy efficiency up to date and preferred to use materials manufactured with eco-friendly processes in the renovation.
Architects Sven and Friederike Grotheer soon realised there was hardly any usable structure behind the exterior cladding, because moisture had affected the masonry. To ensure this wouldn’t happen again and to allow the masonry to breathe, they reconstructed it out of brick. Made by Proton, the bricks they used are eco-friendly both to produce and use, and are thermally conductive, not to mention diffusion-open – that is, ‘breathable’, letting moisture pass through and out.
The originally dark entrance was spruced up with beadboard on the walls, creating a shiplap-style look, and light-grey floor tiles for a welcoming atmosphere. The hexagonal cement tiles by Via are manufactured without artificial additives. Once impregnated with oil or mineral sealer, they are resistant to moisture and dirt, making them perfect for an area that sees a lot of foot traffic.
The entrance flows into the open-plan kitchen, which is also decked out in beadboard for visual coherence. The architects and owners worked together to come up with a bright and soothing palette – after all, this home is built for relaxation.
All of the built-ins in the living and dining area were custom-made by a local carpenter. The rest of the furniture, including the large vintage-style dining table, was selected and bought by the owners.
A charming feature is the white ceiling juxtaposed against old oak beams. The architects installed LED lights by Bega throughout to ensure the space would be flooded with light, even on rainy days.
The architects say it was important for the owners to visually connect the ground and second floors, to make up for the building’s small size. The custom-made kitchen cabinets form the perfect transition. This connection with the mezzanine on the second floor clearly positions the kitchen as the heart of the home.
Like the living and dining areas, the bedrooms feature triple-layer oak flooring, which is pleasantly warm to the touch and lends that extra bit of cosiness.
The bathroom features the same hexagonal cement floor tiles as in the entrance, while the walls and bath hob are finished in discreet white subway tiles. This comes together for a minimalist feel throughout.
The home’s new heating system features an air-source heat pump. Underfloor heating keeps the living area warm, while the built-in fireplace helps heat it quickly – and, of course, contributes to the home’s cosy and relaxing atmosphere.
Your Turn
What do you love most about this restored farmhouse? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Craving a peek into another beautiful home? Don’t miss last week’s tour of a French home with this Before and After: Cosy Pied-à-Terre for a Father and His Teenagers
Your Turn
What do you love most about this restored farmhouse? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Craving a peek into another beautiful home? Don’t miss last week’s tour of a French home with this Before and After: Cosy Pied-à-Terre for a Father and His Teenagers
Who holidays here: A family from Hamburg, Germany
Size: About 85 square metres
Location: Dithmarschen region, Germany
Architects: Grotheer Architektur
When renovations started in 2018, the thatched-roof house had stood empty for a long time. Moisture had settled into the walls, and the roof beams were in poor condition. “The existing structure was not really viable,” says architect Sven Grotheer.
Find an architect near you on Houzz to renovate or restore your home