The Outdoor pool of Bleiche Resort & Spa in the winter time. Of course heated…

One and a half hours drive from Berlin, lies the Hotel Bleiche Resort & Spa in Brandenburg Spreewald. Here the outdoor pool in summer

To encapsulate right away: with this story I’m neither looking for the not yet found hair in the soup, nor am I the investigative journalist finding something previously undiscovered. This text is my personal homage to a place and its landscape, which has grown on me over the years and my many visits: the Hotel ‘Bleiche Resort & Spa’ and the Brandenburg Spreewald.

The Bleiche is always decorated according to the season …

… here the ‘Grünes Gewölbe’-Restaurant in Christmas decoration

Every time the rumble of wooden planks wakes me up when passing the driveway to the hotel grounds and the red-white boarded wooden facade in front of me opens, when I walk into the hotel lobby and hear the splashing of the fountain, then I know: I have arrived. My Berlin-stress I leave at the front desk, am grateful to not have to fill in any incredibly long forms, or being asked for either a credit card or if I had a “pleasant journey”.
“It’s great you’re here.” Here, I don’t have to do anything. Here I simply am.

Arrival: In the lobby of the Hotel Bleiche Resort & Spa it ripples from the impressive fountain

By now, I’ve got my little rituals, which I sometimes pursue more, sometimes less: I let myself drift, I let go, enjoy the sweet idleness. Sometimes I swim my laps in the outdoor pool before breakfast; usually I sleep till all hours. The breakfast in the ,Grünem Gewölbe’ (‘green vault’), I am celebrating extensively with seven minute egg and morning tea ‘Morgentau’. Even at 12 noon that is still possible here. I read the newspaper (which I ‘m rarely able to do at home), which I can find by my bedroom door every morning.

Here I’m having breakfast in the ‘Grünes Gewölbe’ (Green Vault):

I love morning tea ‘Morgentau’, seven minute egg, whole wheat bread, croissants, cheese, melon and – believe it or not – Spreewaldgurke (‘Spreewald cucumber’)

One look into the eyes of my two four-legged travelling companions and it’s decided: Off it goes into the nature, past fields and canals. The network of adjacent trails can also wonderfully be explored by biking or jogging. When it rains, I confine my outdoor activities into the hotel’s private, 17-hectare park, in which my doggies have already chased one or two balls. Then I limber up with some tea and homemade cakes, discover an interesting book title in the well-stocked book shop or exceptionally check out my mails, which is only possible in this one area, because there’s no Wi-Fi in the rooms.

Regulars Willi and Franz in the provided baskets. Here one also takes lovingly care of the four-legged guests

Then I slip into the bathrobe and keep wearing it for the time being. Here, everyone is the same wearing the bathrobes, whether they’re called Heike Makatsch, Model Eva Padberg or German actor Matthias Schweighöfer. My range of motion involved the route room – spa – room. By the way: with 5,000 square meters it is one of the largest spas in Europe. In my opinion, it’s also one of the finest.

Swiming, while watching the crackling fire in the fireplace – where do you find something comparable?

Many spas reduce their appearance on the mere expediency, as if the applications were processed like illness certificates: indoor swimming pools with tiles up to the stop and above all a pungent smell of chlorine. In the Bleiche, it scents like fireplaces, like lumbers, herbs and apples. A treat for my nose, used to capital odors. Apart from this, there are plenty of chairs, cozy sofas, inviting sitting areas with comfortable wicker chairs, in which I do like to sink into, because a sauna, massages and Haman are well known to be quite tiring. My favorite room? Clearly and absolutely unrivaled: The ,Kräuterkammer’ (‘herbal chamber’), a around 45 degrees tempered sauna, very cozy like a mountain lodge. How many hours have I probably already spent here?

The ,Kräuterkammer’ (‘herbal chamber’), a around 45 degrees tempered sauna in the wellness area, very cozy like a mountain lodge

I lie and listen. Sometimes to the sounds of classical music – in the large indoor swimming pool also under water – sometimes the chirping of crickets, the inhabitants of ancient timbers. For me, this is the most beautiful way of meditation, even though it is also offered here professionally: With or without singing bowl. Speaking of lying: On the big screen of the professionally equipped cinema, there run three movies daily, many that I always wanted to see before. Here I finally get the opportunity in XXL wide loungers.

Wherever I go, inviting sitting areas always await

The decor is right up my alley: sophisticated country-house style, using French linen, rough wood and roughly plastered cob walls, combined with selected antiques and a pleasant lighting concept. It’s the passion for detail that I like so much and this is actually what’s the real secret of the Bleiche. Here and there are a couple of candlesticks, vases and stacks of books. All wisely collected in legwork and over the years by the Bleiche-owners – the Clausing family.

Traditional decoration ‘Herrgottswinkel’ in the cheese chamber

In the evening I preferably sit in the cozy ,Fischerstube’ (‘Fishers parlor’) or in the quaint ,Kahnschuppen’ (‘fishing boat shed’) – in the summer it’s also nice in beer garden under the old chestnut trees. Gourmets get indulged in star restaurant ,17fuffzig’. The food is delicious – I have never been disappointed. I love the Mosel Riesling from the winery ‘Kallfelz’ and especially a regional goat’s cheese at the end, which the rustic cheese chamber holds behind its doors. Maybe I treat myself with a nightcap at the bar. Maybe I’m still sitting at the large fireplace, looking into the fire and imagining how the linen fabrics for the ‘Old Fritz’* were bleached here more than 260 years ago. BvH
*nickname of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia

Here I can spend hours looking into the fire – and it never gets boring to me in any way

Tip:

Especially in fall or winter a boat trip is an experience, as you mainly have the channels for yourself and the pasture- and moorlands of the Spreewald are worth a look at – even in the cold season. Ask for Hagen, he is the best tour guide and knows all secrets and things to know.

Fancy a boat trip? The hotel’s boat harbor offers individual journeys – also during the winter season

Christmas Decor at Bleiche Resort & Spa

Summer impressions

In the beer garden, one can wonderfully sit under old chestnut trees

From the herb bed directly into the pot: Star chef René Klages gets his ingredients from the hotel’s herb garden

The secret of the Bleiche is the love for detail

In the book shop of the Bleiche, I love to rummage through the current book titles and make readable discoveries

Almost like home

Beautiful interior: One of the cottage suites with a private sauna, separate bedroom and living area

The beds are especially comfortable and cozy

Relaxing in the bathtub with a glass of Prosecco and candlelight – Good as it gets

Bye, bye, stress!

Me in bathrobe-mood in front of the fireplace by the indoor pool

The Whirlpool

A seperate bath and wading area for families with children

You simply do not want to leave

One out of eight restaurants: The ‘Weißbiereck’. Comfortable, right?

For cheese lovers this is the culinary paradise at Hotel Bleiche Resort & Spa: The cheese chamber

On a night cap at the bar …

… or again to the fireplace? The cozy atmosphere ensures a great feel-good factor

Contact Bleiche Resort & Spa:

Bleiche Resort & Spa
Bleichestraße 16
03096 Burg im Spreewald, Germany

www.bleiche.de

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

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Trendscout MyStylery on tour: Looking for the latest interior trends at the interior fair Maison et Objet

Since many years I visit one of the most impressive – if not the most interesting – Fair for Interior and Housing, the Maison et Objet in Paris. On many thousands of square meters more than 1,000 exhibitors in eight halls are presented twice a year – in January and in September – the international audience with the latest interior design trends. A mega show, a must for all interior designers, architects and lifestyle experts and my seasonal highlight, to which I look forward to in advance. However, this fall the exhibition was below my expectations.

In Hall 5A young artists present their creative ideas under the motto “Craft Métiers D’Art”

Of course, everyone knows that the wheel cannot be invented again. But similar to the development in fashion, one also hopes in the world of living, at least for a new vision or an inspiration. The result of my over two days extending on-site investigation, I summarize as follows: There is not much new.

Love these lamps made of pressed glass, which look like a glass creations from Murano in Italy

Trend 1:

Peacock Thrones – I looove these extravagant wicker chairs, which admittedly – due to their expansive dimensions – take a lot of place. So retro, so chic! And hardly any of the top exhibitors, that did not have any of these opulent armchairs in the program in his autumn – winter collection.

Peacock chairs by Asiatides

Trend 2:

The color green – whether as glass or tableware, wallpaper, sofa cover or lamp stand: No one at the Maison et Objet missed out on green. The color palette included all the nuances: From soft lime green to juicy fir green. Actually a color palette, which I would have expected more in the spring. But I was glad to have ever spotted a trend. I will not complain. The Maison et Objet will probably never lose its charm for me. This is already guaranteed by the location in Paris, one of my favorite cities, that already accounts for only the stimulus, to visit the Maison et Objet.

The wall candle holder with porcelain parrot competes with green-antiqued glass tiles

Interesting:

Polite reservation and reduced minimalism seem to belong more to the past in these times of social and political change. I mostly came across lush exuberance in the form of bright brass, satin and silk. Even copper is still one of the favorite materials. The cottage-chic is more than ever socially acceptable, which I can only be glad off, with my little renovation project in Brandenburg. The theme country style and natural materials were served almost perfectly. Interestingly, by manufacturers of different nations. That has something connecting, right? BvH

Lush home accessories infront of a mirrored wall

Beautiful arrangement of antique books, natural stone and wood

New romantic: Angels as lamp holders

This king crab is a true giant with a leg span of 180 centimeters and twelve kilos. A monster version that is supposedly 100 years old and has a premium price of 12.400 Euros

A real novelty and the only one of all exhibitors: heavy, opulent Wilhelminian furniture at the stand of Objets des Curiosité

Opulent retro style

Peacock Thrones at Maison et Objet

Colorful bird on Peacock Throne. This one is from Versmissen …

… and this model is from Nkuku …

… and this is from Zenza with 50s floor lamp in shape of palm trees

The Maison et Objet devoted an entire hall to the subject Ethnic Chic

Lovely chairs by Andrew Martin in pandas look. So sweet!

Many exhibitors showed corals, gemstones and fossils as a new decoration idea

It greens so green

Green jungle at Pols Potten

Beautiful green bottles from Brucs

How about a bar in green? This is from Cravt

Eichholtz combines white furniture and green wallpaper

Jonathan Adler also papered his stand in green

Not to deny: The cold season is coming! But the opulent interior design is more an expression of the current social change

Remember this song? My clothes are all green, green, green, everything I have is all green. That’s why I love everything green, because my beloved is a hunter

These autumn shades look very cozy

Retro Style

Still hip: palm trees …

… and pineapple motifs continue to enjoy great popularity

Please pack everything – I take it!

Countryside Style

I’m trying to see the best in everything and therefore hit pay dirt with my trend search. Completely in love with this Belgian linen!

Great idea: Jute-related wire racks become original lampshades – made by Sempre

www.maison-objet.com

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In the heart of Santa Gertrudis you’ll find the shop “Es Cucons”. Also the entrance area invites you to poke around

Santa Gertrudis is one of my favorite places in Ibiza. Even if the small town in the center of the island is not a secret anymore, it draws me there every time when I’m on the Balearic island. There you can perfectly combine culinary and shopping in a pleasant atmosphere. Right next to the hustle and bustle marketplace with its many cafes and bars you’ll find the shop “Es Cucons La Tienda”. Outside I am already lured by the just so trendy, embroidered bast bag beside to XXL-lanterns, which would immerse my terrace in an atmospheric light. Let’s shop!

The sales staff of “Es Cucons” is busy, but friendly

I pass the turquoise shop door and find myself in a unique treasure trove again: Here not only fashion for women is offered – like sweet bikinis by Giulala Bruna, embroidered tunics, beach dresses, scarves, straw hats and espadrilles – but also beautiful ceramic, useful items for household, inspiring home-decoration and scented candles.

These colorful glasses would be also great on my terrace in Berlin – but do they fit into my suitcase?

Now I would like at least a small country house in Ibiza, to decorate all these nice items!

Okay, I also take the plates! By the way, can I pay here by credit card?

Men do not have to stay outside, because for them there is an own little department with casual menswear called the “Es Cucons La Tienda” – as trendy checked shirts – of denim and linen. The team of “Es Cucons La Tienda”, which, incidentally, also operates the hotel of the same name “Es Cucons”, offers toys as well as sweet clothes for the kids. Of course, everything in Ibiza-style. I love it! BvH

An eldorado for all fashion victims!

The turquoise lampshades have it done to me … will they be well accepted as carry-on luggage?

Guys come in! You’re also welcome

Girls, come around to “Es Cucons”! You will love it.

Contact Es Cucons

Es Cucons La Tienda
Venda de Parada, 19
Santa Gertrudis
Ibiza, Spain

+34 971 19 77 56

www.escucons.com

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Classical elegance at Eichholtz: I am a fan of the small, velvet green armchairs with fringe bordures

I just came back from Paris, where I went to the trade fair ‘Maison et Objet’, where I researched the newest interior trends, furniture- and accessories-brands for you. Even though I have been to this fair for almost ten years now the impressions still remain amazing: Almost 3.000 exhibitors presented their collections in eight halls on 121.500 (!) square meters. The most known furniture brands like Gervasoni, Ligne Roset, Flamant, Grange, Jonathan Adler and Andrew Martin are represented here as well as the home collections of fashion designers like Ungaro, Ralph Lauren, Cavalli, Missoni or Fendi.

Playful and opulent are the interior accessories, like here at Asiatides, which you can order at my interior shop

I always head to my personal favorites like Asiatides or Versmissen first, because they offer unique, antique items, which are quickly sold out. Moreover I also order furniture and extraordinary interior-accessories for my interior projects. I love to discover new brands. In goose-step and after an exact ‘pattern’ I run through the eight halls and each time I think what the odometer would say after the day.

Available in all variants: Retro light bulbs and illuminants

Especially in hall I, which always intrigues me with its ethnic-eclectic chic I have found a lot of special and individual newcomers. This season’s motto is called ‘wild’: amidst a more and more technological defined world we start to reflect increasingly back to the beginning and nature.

One of the most innovative brands is Sempre from Belgium; they exclusively make their products from natural or recycled materials. Here a wooden bench with linen upholstery

Of course, the rather minimalistic, Scandinavian design is also an essential representative of the motto and therefore takes an important influence on our homestyle. Many companies like Bleu Nature and Sempre almost exclusively work only with natural materials: Wood, fur, stone and wool. Still very current is also the so-called ‘industrial look’: industrial design paired with shabby chic.

Sempre also has a very inspiring fair stand: dive in, submerge and getting new ideas. Wonderful!

My impression though was that the political turmoils and new social unfoldings influence our way of living and the words safe haven and cocooning gain a whole new importance. I have seen incredibly much opulence. A comeback of the baroque forms with lots of splendor, gold and glitter. Maybe a demonstration for the wish for something familiar. A longing for warmth in the big, cold world. BvH

See for yourselves:

Quite something: posh chandelier over baroque velvet armchair

Mirror cabinet and I in the middle

Some exhibitors present their almost extravagant elegance and take you on a little time travelling journey

After I have developed a great preference for the minimalistic modern trend, my big weakness for the opulent style, velvet-covered sofas and gold-coated mirrors with baroque details newly awakened. Strange, isn’t it?

I have to have this golden sofa! Gorgeous!

A cool understatement with chrome and suede made by Eichholtz

In love with these pretty pink roses!

Very cool: Ceiling lamps à la Sputnik!

Too much isn’t enough could be the motto at Eichholtz

Trend 1: Retro

Elements of the 50s and 60s experience their revival and find themselves in a lot that I’ve seen on the fair, for example on this table leg …

… here again as a diningtable. And a comeback for the peacock chair!

Beautiful arrangement with retro vases

Floor lamp in the stylish 60s look. I’ll take it!

How about an occult décor-item such as this raven on a skull?

Magnificent: Antique books and little treasures underneath beautiful glass covers

Great idea and amazing effect: light chains in big light bulbs arranged in simple glass vases

Currently super trendy are pendant luminaires in different shapes, but all made out of glass! So chic!

… Here is another variant …

Wowwww! This ceiling lamp! If only I had room for it …

Trend 2: Glass-Shades

… And again as tribute to the 50s! Very elegant isn’t it?

Wallpapers are still very trendy. Elegantly staged at the fair stand of Wall&Déco

Beautiful furniture-design by Munna from Portugal

Natural materials also at Gervasoni’s …

… and again Gervasoni: love the lampshades. They look like Ufo’s

Eyecatcher: Antolini Bath-Design made in Italy

What an lavish arrangement!

Illuminated hat-parade!

I don’t know where to look first …

Trend 3: Opulence

Presenting exceptional interior accessories underneath glass covers is still en vogue

Busts: not marble but wood

Glass antlers and details arranged on a lambskin

A new label from Poland with a “schwungvoll” German name …

… which creates industrial design. Amongst other things these flower boxes in shabby chic-style

Candles in gold rush from Lifestyle Home Collection

New décor idea: tortoise shell – looking deceptively real but made from polyresin

Big like: these lampshades made of rattan from Lifestyle Home Collection

This arrangement is getting me in the mood for summer

Also new is this limited ‘Madagascar’ edition of the high-class candle label Baobab. Inspired by the African island the scented candles are being wrapped with colorful bast. Handmade unique models in nine different scents

Trend 4: Back to nature!

The gorgeous, Moroccan Berber carpets might have been in every interior magazine by now but still can’t be missing on Maison et Objet

Atmospheric light for a cozy summer evening with lanterns from Morocco

…Moroccan interior design by Zenza

… including matching cushions

The concrete tile is a traditional classic, which just celebrates a comeback. This trend inspired the Israeli label Beija Flor to design their deceptively real synthetic adaptions, useable for floors and as wall or table decoration. MyStylery loves patterns!

TIP:

You can obtain many of the displayed articles at my interior shop ‘BIRGIT VON HEINTZE INTERIORS’. For more questions you can contact me at contact@mystylery.com

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Pure idyll: Since one year Claudia Weidung-Anders resides in Klostergut Besselich in Urbar near Koblenz with her showroom ‘Home & Dogs’ *

Do you know that feeling when you enter a shop thinking, wow, how beautiful, I wanna have it all! Such a burst of buying power came over me when visiting ‘Home & Dogs’ in the Klostergut Besselich, a noble manor near Koblenz in southern Germany. Lovingly arranged and decorated for Christmas, Claudia Weidung-Anders – wife of popstar Thomas Anders – presents her assortments. Here, two- and four-legged friends will find everything their hearts desire, from a dressing gown to the dog lead. A conversation amongst dog owners and interior fans with tea and biscuits (dog-shaped, of course).

Thomas and Claudia Anders with mongrel dog Summer on Klostergut Besselich. The popstar supportes his wife with her company ‘Home & Dogs’

Room fragrances and scented candles adjusted to the Christmas season

MyStylery: It smells lovely in here – and clearly not of dog food …
Claudia Weidung-Anders: Yes, right? We just unpacked the candles with Christmas scent. They provide a good feeling of space.

At ‘Home & Dogs’, the visitor awaits Christmas atmosphere

MS: Originally it was your business idea to prepare own dog food. Sounds like a pretty big endeavor…
CWA: True, it took a while until I found the right partners. But the suffering of my dog drove me on. Summer (dog’s name) had an intolerance to conventional dog food and thus stomach and digestive problems. Our food is made with a gently cooking method in a 100% foodquality and is free of gluten and grain. The varieties are very well appreciated, the dogs love the food.

Lets dogs’ hearts beat faster: Savory treats – gluten and wheat free – by ‘Pepper’s Choice’. Or how about baked liverwurst bones by ‘Omas Hundekekse’ (grandma’s dog biscuits)?

MS: Now your product range includes things for dog and owner. How did this idea about such combination come about?
CWA: Actually, my customers put me up to this. The dog’s mat should be compatible with the furnishing. The maritime Sylt- (German island) and modern country house looks are currently trendy and very popular. And I love to be at the fairs, tracing beautiful things. Much inspiration I get on our journeys. We travel a lot.

The ‘Home & Dogs’ dog basket series ‘Classic luxury’ is equipped with washable covers and matching ball and playing-bone of the same material

MS: Certainly one of the reasons why, in addition to a large selection of baskets, ‘Home & Dogs’ even offers a dog travelling bed.
CWA: Right. But even dog leads are an important issue, and I’ve been searching for matching items for a long time. Bling-bling with rhinestones is completely out of the question (laughs).

Here only the Advent decoration glitters: Christmas feeling for dogs and owners in the ‘Home & Dogs’ Showroom

MS: Summer is a mongrel dog, which you got from a Spanish pound. Which dog would you not want have?
CWA: I basically like all dogs. In fact, animals from the animal welfare are particularly close to my heart. Especially the mixes are often the most fantastic characters. I Love Weimaraner, they are so pretty, but motion and time-consuming. That has to be considered when a dog comes into the house. Dogs should be kept appropriately regarding their species.

The dog food is available in eight varieties with resealable lids and in three different packaging sizes. The bestsellers: ‘poultry with rice’ and ‘beef with potatoes’. Yummy!

MS: Absolutely. Apropos: ‘Kangaroo with pumpkin’ or ‘horse with carrots’ sound rather exotic: Has a two-legged ever tried ‘Home & Dogs’ dog food?
CWA (laughs): Yes, I myself. I gotta know what I’m selling.  BvH

Did you already get an Advent calendar for your doggies?

Claudia Weidung-Anders has adapted to the needs of both dog and owner. Whether round, square, with border or exit: The range of baskets and dog beds serve all sleeping-preferences

“Dog leads – for example by Cloud7 – should be practical and look good at the same time. The leather must be durable and soft in the hand.”

Nice items for the bathroom from ‘Amélie & Mélanie’

The mistress will find cozy homewear and pretty decoration. Help, what should I get?

… presented in a beautiful countrystyle-look

New to the assortment are the cashmere-collections from ‘Heartbreaker’ and ‘MAP Ibiza’ for the mistress. I go for the comfortable casual wear by ‘Cornelie Weiss’

I admit it, for my two four-legged friends Franz and Willi – a Labrador and a Parson Terrier – it’s always got be the best. That’s why I just belong here!

This cozy cushions would look great on my sofa

Tip:

On all Saturdays of Advent, the ‘Home & Dogs’ showroom has open from 11:00 – 17:00 o’clock.

Okay, I take the wooden dog-decoration, too

Contact:

Home & Dogs
Claudia Weidung-Anders
Klostergut Besselich
56182 Urbar, Germany

Open from Monday to Friday 9:00 – 13:30
Saturday and Sunday by appointment

Email:
info@home-and-dogs.com

From the dog lead to the basket – the range now includes more than 500 different products, which can also be ordered via the online shop

Bye bye, Klostergut Besselich! I’ll be back

Online-Shop:

www.home-and-dogs.com

More about Klostergut Besselich:

www.klostergut-besselich.de

Featured pic by Nikolaj Georgiew

Photo marked* by Klostergut Besselich

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MyStylery on tour: Me in front of the Château de Cheverny in the Loire Valley nearby the idyllic town of Blois

Once upon a time … that’s how my story today about the Château de Cheverny, which I just visited during my weekend at the Loire-valley, could begin. The castle, built in the renaissance style, is one of the biggest Loire castles and has been family-owned for over seven centuries. Albeit with a few disruptions, entanglements and confusions. But step by step.

The painted wooden ceilings by Jean Moniers impress me. It must have taken him a long time to paint this

Built from 1624 to 1640 by count Henri Hurault on the remains of the former castle, a certain Madame Diane de Poitiers decided to annex the Château. Resistance futile, Madame de Poitiers – who had just been removed out of her own castle Chenonceau by Catherine de Medici – was the mistress of Henri II. and therefore certainly had the upper hand. A century later the castle, temporarily acquired back by the Hurault family, fell into strangers hands once more. This time it was the heirs, who were a little shy on money to accept the costly inheritance. So they sold.

The dining hall is dominated by heavy oak furniture from the 19th century. Interesting: The walls are covered by leather, which has the family’s coat of arms imprinted. The silver-coated bronze chandelier above the dining table weighs considerable 100 kilos*

1825 Victor Hurault, Marquis de Vibraye and adjutant of King Charles X. brought the premises back into the family, where his descendants still live today. Namely in the right wing of the castle, which is made out of tuff. The rest – including a gorgeous 100 hectare castle park in English-style is open to the public.

The noble staircase of honor built in the style of Louis XIII. with garlands- and fruit-motives, emblems of the fine arts and a 25 (!) kilogram heavy knight’s armor from the 16th century

Such a castle doesn’t just look nice. It’s expensive. Continuously. To carry the costs, Philippe de Vibraye, great-uncle of the current owner decided to open the castle to the public. He was very progressive with this idea. Other noble families periodically sold their silverware to repair the holes in the roof from the proceeds. Since then Cheverny has been opened 365 days per year and with the splendid rooms, furnished mostly originally by Jean Monier is definitely worth a trip. BvH

Beautiful detail

Tip:

The ‘Tintin’ exhibition
Castle Cheverny inspired the Belgian cartoonist Hergé to his ‘Château de Moulinsart’ in the Tintin cartoons. Mentioned for the first time in 1942 in an adventure of the journalist ‘Tintin’, Château Moulinsart became the home of Tintin, Snowy, Professor Calculus, Captain Haddock, and Nestor, the butler. Since 2001 the permanent exhibition, domiciled in Cheverny shows Tintins room, Professor Calculus’ laboratory, as well as the cellar of Château Moulinsart.

In the great salon a harp from the 18th century, which is still being played today. The portrait above the fireplace shows Marie Johanne de la Carre Saumery, Countess of Cheverny

Mantelpiece in the armory

The arms room presents itself in its original state. It has never been restored. The collection of weapons and armors originates from the 15th, 16th, and 17th century. The gobelin tapestry from the 17th century belongs to the further treasures of the castle

Again magnificent ceiling paintings

King’s bedroom

The regal chambers for the King – here the bed canopysolely with precious fabrics – should he honor the castle with a visit

Did these amazing ceiling-portraits bestowed sweet dreams to the King?

The tableware ‘An Autumn in Cheverny’ had been designed especially for the Counts’ family. By the way, the idea, to set the forks with the fork arms upside down, has been introduced by Louis XV. He wanted to prevent, getting caught by the fork arms with his ruffled sleeves. Interesting?

Apropos: beds of this time aren’t so short because people were shorter then, but because one slept sitting, the lying position was reserved for the dead. Furthermore one was afraid to swallow ones’ own tongue

The children’s room with toys and wooden horses from the time of Napoleon III.

Amazing Weddingdress

The bedchamber with the bridal dress of the current Marquise Constance de Vibraye, a born Barbat du Closel, who married Charles-Antoine de Vibraye in this dress in 1994*

The boudoir

In the birth room mothers presented their newborn children. The mahogany-cradle is a rare Empire relic …

… With writing desk …

The library includes 2,000 books*

The castle’s own chapel

The Marquis and his family

Today the Marquis Charles-Antoine de Vibraye and his family live here

In its whole history Château de Cheverny has never been unoccupied

View from the south facade into the park

The English park with impressive and rare tree species, Paul de Vibraye had planted there from 1820 to 1860:

Linden, giant sequoia, and cedars

Impressing Landscape

At the ‘apprentices’ garden’ modern garden architecture is showcased since 2006

The castle is opened daily and has only been closed three times for a few hours: 1963 during the visit of the Queen Mom of England, 1976 for the burial of the Marquis de Vibraye and 1994 on the occasion of the marriage of the current owner Marquis Charles-Antoine de Vibraye

Today the orangery from the 18th century accommodates a beautiful café for visitors of the Château

At the moment the garden presents itself in a autumnal explosion of colors: Magnificent

The southern facade of the Château is decorated with busts of roman emperors, the northern facade is held in the style of Louis XIII. with plastered walls

Artpiece in front of the castle

Modern Art in the Park

The stables of Cheverny

The last hydrangeas of the summer

As a farewell the horses say “adieu”

Contact:

Château de Cheverny
41700 Cheverny, France
www.chateau-cheverny.fr

Featured pic and pics marked* by Château de Cheverny

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The Hamburger writer and organ builder Hans Henny Jahnn (1894 – 1959) is the eponym of the Hamburger hotspot ‘Henny’s’ on the Hans-Henny-Jahnn-Weg in Hamburg-Winterhude

Have you already been to Henny’s, asks my friend Franziska during one of my last trips to my old home town Hamburg. I haven’t – so let’s go. It’s not as easy as I thought to make a reservation, as the restaurant is always busy since its opening some months ago and the 65 seats are always fully booked. We use one of the last sunbeams of the year and meet each other for lunch on the beautiful, big sun terrace of the Henny’s.

The tables on the terrace with its 95 seats show cloth linen napkins, silverware and candles

In the pretty corner house, which is directly located at an ‘Alsterfleet’ (canal), already tried a couple of gastronomes their luck. The new chief of the house Danilo Del Favero, a native Italian, cleared out the time-honored real estate and brought new shine into it with a noble interior design that is held in grey- and earthy tones. Me as ‘interior-person’ also noticed the positive concept of light.

Warm colors and a lot of wood dominates the succeeded interior concept: the Henny’s stands for comfort

Del Favero, who learned in the traditionell ‘Atlantic Hotel’, serves his guests a whole range of dishes: from American luxury steak and Hamburger sausages to fresh pizza, burger or sushi: a colorful, uncommon mixture, which should be a treat for every guest. Everything for everyone – does that work? Let’s try it …

Everything for everyone – does that work?

A huge fire place is a real eye catcher, this caters for ease, especially now, as the days are getting colder

I vary between ‘Königsberger Klopse’ (meat balls) and a mustard egg. When was the last time I ate that? Especially the offer of the home cooking pleases me, because sometimes you just need to eat well and indigenous. Where does this nowadays still exist? BvH

Test passed

Patron Danilo Del Favero and I. He tells me: “We make fresh, German, Mediterranean, Hamburger cuisine – and it’s affordable!”

Also on the upper floor dark shades give the rooms comfort

Super mood at the bar: the staff is in a good temper and friendly

At the wall maritime decorations – we’re still in the legendary ‘Mühlenkamper Fährhaus’ (in English ferry house)

Contact:

Henny’s
Hans-Henny-Jahnn-Weg 1
22085 Hamburg

www.hennys-hamburg.de

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Rıfat Özbek was born in Istanbul, studied architecture in London, then moved on to study fashion at Central St Martins. In 1985 he started his own fashion line ‘ÖZBEK’ based in London

In 2005, Turkish fashion designer Rifat Özbek was looking for cushions to decorate his country home near Bodrum. Discouraged by the scratchy textiles and synthetic stuffing pervading the home décor marketplace, Özbek and his partner, Erdal Karaman, decided to design their own pillows, an endeavour that led to the launch of Yastik – Its name means ‘cushion’ in Turkish. Now, ten years later, Özbek has shops dedicated solely to cushions in Istanbul, Izmir and London, as well as retail spaces in exclusive department stores such as the ‘Bon Marché’ in Paris.

Rifat Özbek received twice the “Designer of the Year” award by The British Fashion Council. His work has been featured in many exhibitions including the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Pecci Museum in Prato and the Stedeligk Museum in Amsterdam. This pic shows the shop in Istanbul

What sets Özbek’s designs apart: incredible textiles, rich and intricate patterns, and high-quality down stuffing, which includes dried lavender. Özbek’s attention to detail contributes to his unique vision and steady success. While the back of a cushion might be overlooked by others, Özbek treats the back panel as of equal importance. In fact, the designer intends for both sides of the cushion to be used, and the ‘backs’ often feature contrasting patterns or colors. “Just like a small brooch can uplift a dress, cushions are the brooches of sofas”, says Özbek.

“Yastik means cushion in Turkish, and that is quite simply all we sell”, explains Rifat Özbek. For starters, there are one hundred different colors and patterns to choose from

Yastik stores, including one in Istanbul’s Nişantaşi neighbourhood, are an experience all their own, with dozens of varieties of cushions displayed against stark white walls, creating a gallery effect. At any given time, Özbek stocks more than 100 patterns, drawing inspiration from everywhere: the Majorelle Garden in Marrakech, tribal contemporary paintings, and centuries-old mosaics and tiles.

The pillows come in three sizes, in both rectangular and square shapes, and range in price from 60 €

Each cushion design is produced in limited runs. “You don’t want to go to someone’s home and realize you have the same cushion,” he says. “We keep adding new patterns all the time, and there are some cushions, like those made from vintage fabrics like antique velvet, that we only make a single pair of.” BvH

“Cushions are like brooches”

Yastik cushions are produced in limited editions using hand woven Ikats and Suzeni embroideries

Sourced in remote areas of Central Asia and Uzbekistan, these centuries’ old textile designs have their own language and stories are told using colour, weave and pattern

To add the ultimate sensual touch:

A handful of lavender flowers is added to the luxurious down filling in each cushion: “Just enough to suggest a sense of tranquillity.”

A handful of lavender flowers

Patterns and motifs change. It always come back to new designs

Yastik has gathered an exclusive celebrity clientele: Tilda Swinton, Donna Karan, Jemima Khan, Rupert Everett, Femke Janssen, Cindy Sherman, Daphne Guinness, Daniel Craig, Aerin Lauder, Monica Bellucci, Elizabeth Hurley, Lily Allen, Graham Norton

Contact:

Şakayık Sokak 13/1
Teşvikiye, Şişli
İstanbul,Turkey
www.yastikbyrifatozbek.com

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Very chic: Pan Am Lounge employee Cecilie looks like she just appeared from a time journey in her Pan Am uniform

There’re lots of party hotspots in Berlin, but one of them is ranked very high in my personal ranking: the Pan Am Lounge in Berlin. No other location is so history-charged and simultaneously cool and hip like the lounge, which once pertained to the pilots and stewardesses of the American airline Pan Am as their Berlin home.

The Livingroom of the Pan Am-Suite with a tufted leather sofa from the 60s

Indeed West Berlin could have only be approached by the airlines of the western alliance after the Second World War. Besides Pan Am, those were Airfrance and British Airways. In 1965 the former major of Berlin and later chancellor of Germany Willy Brandt inaugurated the Europa-Center. There the Pan Am ensconced itself and opened its headquarter in the pile between Ku’damm and Breitscheidtplatz. The airline concurrently solved the question where to leave the staff during their flight free days: cabins- and cockpit crews got accommodated in the adjacent apartment building ‘Eden-Haus’. It was the beginning of a legendary party era.

From portable tv and framed lunar landing motive to head-high cacti and illuminated globe: here’s everything in proper style in the sixties look

clinker-chimney and fabric wallpaper

And on top of the socalled ‘Eden-Haus’ in the 12th floor a place for leisure has been designed for the crews, from which roof one has an unrestricted all-round view over Berlin. This dream location was officially reserved for the employees of Pan Am, whose wild parties had a reputation like a donnerhall. This raised desire and an exclusive circle got access to the Pan Am Lounge – with Willy Brandt as one of the prominent fans of the first hour. But in the course of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 as well as the merger of the two parts of Berlin ended the party era. Pan Am went bankrupt. And the Lounge fell into a deep sleep.

A place for leisure for pilots and stewardesses

Manager Natascha Bonnermann in front of the logo of Pan Am Airlines, a stylised globe

Then Natascha Bonnermann appeared, a Rhenish cheerful person with Austrian experiences in the gastronomy, who looks like she has just arisen out of the Sixties. When the former actress turned the keys of the lounge ten years ago, she was astonished: in front of her lay a sixties-paradise, a jewel box, that would have withstand every movie set. The present manager of the Pan Am Lounge blew the dust from the teak furniture and bar chairs and immersed new life into the lounge. The revival of the legendary party-location!

“Sixties design never got old”, says Natascha Bonnermann. “It got either more appealing.”

However the true treasure slumbered one floor under the lounge: a small maisonette apartment, that was inhabited by the Pan Am pilots and still gives the feeling, that a man with suitcase could enter the room just in every second: kidney-shaped tables and 60s chairs in front of clinker-chimney and wallpapered doors.

Natascha Bonnermann about the bedroom equipped with zebra printed carpet: “Modern sex appeal that promises a lot and keeps everything.”

In the lower part of the apartment-suite one will see an original 60s kitchen including a bar, as well as a sleeping- and living room on the upper floor (whose walls are covered with zebra printed carpet). What might have happened at this place?
Even nowadays a former Pan Am stewardess, who likes to remind herself of the wild 60s, still lives in the apartment building ‘Eden-Haus’. The best partys in town, which have been celebrated there. And are even celebrated nowadays. BvH

Here you can still sleep well – because the suite is rented

Home cinema: the crafty pilot deposited a camera towards the bed

Beautiful, the violet floor tiles, right? Also the bathrooms of the Lounge and Suite are originally preserved

The carpet in the suite with the Pan Am logo in typical Pan Am blue

A Pan Am stock purchase warrant: The pilot was a shrewd investor – until the end of the 80s the airline went bankrupt

Kitchen with bar: here’s everything in proper sixties style

Always up-to-date

Take a look into the kitchen – how about the pattern of the curtains?

Foresight: from here you can see all over Berlin and into the ‘Zoologische Garten’

In the duplex suite, there is also a children’s room on the upper floor

“Some things had to be superseded”, explains Pan Am Lounge Manager Natascha Bonnermann, “therefore I have my secret sources everywhere.”

Waitress, a tomato juice please! The present lounge personal wears Pan Am uniform – of course.

The Pan Am Lounge – the legendary party-location in Berlin

Info:
The Pan Am Lounge can be rented for events up to 200 people. The suite offers space for 30 guests.
Contact:
Pan Am Lounge
Budapester Str. 43
10787 Berlin

www.panamloungeberlin.com

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