Thatched architecture: Poggensee’s Räucherkate (smoking cottage)

INTERIOR
The historic Smokehouse of Poggensee, dating back to 1829, seamlessly blends authentic thatched architecture with uncompromising contemporary design. A comprehensive renovation and redesign have transformed the property into an architectural sanctuary defined by clean lines, carefully curated materials, and a distinctive sense of space.

Upon entering, the hallway opens up beneath soaring five-metre ceilings. A handcrafted steel staircase serves as a sculptural centrepiece, elegantly connecting the two levels. The garden level features a spacious living and dining area with 3.80-metre-high ceilings, a fireplace, and direct access to the landscaped garden. Expansive glass panels frame views of the architecturally designed grounds, complete with a pond, fire pit, greenhouse, sauna and gym, as well as a separate storage building.

The kitchen forms the heart of the home: a designer kitchen by next125 with a ceramic countertop by Lechner, terrazzo sink, Dornbracht pull-out faucet, a Miele gas oven, and a Bosch refrigerator with freezer compartment. A walk-in pantry completes the space, enhancing both its functionality and refinement.

The private wing on this level includes a bedroom with a dressing room and a bespoke bathroom featuring a Portuguese limestone sink designed by architect Hans Verstuyft, Herzbach fixtures, Marazzi tiles, and Villeroy & Boch sanitaryware. A guest WC with a wall-mounted Carmaque toilet and solid stone basin rounds out the ensemble.

Upstairs, a second bedroom is complemented by a shower room with a freestanding ceramic basin and glass shower. An open gallery overlooks the living area, creating an airy, spatial connection. The attic remains a blank canvas, offering versatile potential for use as a studio or additional private retreat.

Throughout the house, great care has been given to the selection of materials and architectural clarity. Exposed timber beams contrast beautifully with purist surfaces, handcrafted fixtures, and select fittings.

The property has been extensively modernised in recent years, including triple-glazed windows (2019), a new front door, kitchen door and main window door (2025), and a modern gas heating system (2022). The combination of historic fabric and contemporary building technology provides exceptional living comfort and energy efficiency.

EXTERIOR
The Smokehouse of Poggensee stands as a masterfully preserved piece of North German architectural heritage. Its steep, thatched roof rises monumentally above a finely balanced half-timbered structure of brick and wood. The clear silhouette, robust materials, and authentically handcrafted details give the house a striking presence that is both archaic and elegant.

The surrounding garden is carefully landscaped, harmoniously merging architecture and nature. Sculpturally trimmed hedges and shrubs frame the strong form of the building, while soft layers of perennials and grasses provide a natural counterpoint. Several seating areas offer atmospheric retreats, some open to the greenery, others sheltered beneath mature trees.

A gently flowing stream with a water lily pond weaves through the grounds, enhancing the serene atmosphere. A black steel greenhouse introduces a contemporary architectural accent, opening views onto a lush, enclosed garden sanctuary.

At the edge of the property, a modern garden pavilion with large glass fronts houses a sauna and gym. Nestled within the natural setting, it creates a balanced dialogue between traditional craftsmanship and modern architecture, preserving the historic character of the house while expressing its contemporary identity.

This is a place that feels like a natural refuge: thoughtfully curated, timelessly beautiful, and imbued with a quiet, poetic atmosphere that echoes the North German landscape. A house where architecture, craftsmanship, and nature are in perfect harmony.

LOCATION
Poggensee lies in the quiet, scenic countryside of Schleswig-Holstein and offers a rare combination of rural serenity and excellent access to the Hamburg metropolitan area.

The Alster Lake can be reached by car in around 38 minutes, while the drive to Hamburg International Airport takes just under an hour. The Baltic coast is equally convenient, with destinations such as Timmendorfer Strand and Travemünde only about 45 minutes away.

The surrounding landscape is defined by mature trees, meadows, and open fields, creating a sense of natural calm that immediately slows the pace. Small farm shops, cafés, and well-established village communities lend the area its authentic rural charm.

Poggensee is an ideal retreat for those who value a genuine countryside setting without giving up easy access to the city. A place where nature, tranquility, and urban proximity come together in perfect balance.