Der Charlottenhof

Intro

Think Danish hygge, Cape Cod styling and the wilderness of the Baltic coast then you begin to get the style drift of this quaint, small, whitewashed guesthouse in the sweet-as-candy artist enclave of Ahrenshoop, set upon the unspoilt coastline of the Baltic Sea, where Germany faces the distant Danish coast. The part-thatched original house of some 150 years now has long been a backdrop to creative escapism for artists lured by the shoreline collage of Ahrenshoop just strides away.

This is all about Ostseebad's sandy dunes, salt marshes and the flora of samphire and sea asters that cuddle up to this former fishing village. Inside, the smooth interior is accented by the familiar nautical pastel marriage of naval blues, wood flooring and crisp sail whites. They play host to mellowing sea moss greens and bold vibrant palettes of citrus florals blending into the scented gardens. Original and modern furnishings fuse to create an unfussy, elegant design that complements the freshness of the interiors and ushers in a cool, seaside vibe at this stylish bed and breakfast enclave in artistic Ahrenshoop. A crafted home on the coast that echoes the artistic use of materials and finishes and the tale of how to fall in love with a place on the seashore. 

Like the characterful seaside house it is, Der Charlottenhof’s rooms come in all shapes and sizes, combining the old and the new with an easy harmony. Touched by modest personality, the rooms are softly elegant. The Garden Room comes with a breezy terrace, the Schiffer Suite has a spaciousness replete with living room and the Captain Suite is a stunning seaside style recluse with two bedrooms, a living room and sunny south-facing terrace.

For a perfect beach-side hub suffused with New England sail white simplicity and beautiful food, Der Charlottenhof is an artsy boutique abode to sweep away cobwebs and blow in some truly Baltic inspiration. Cosy and softly styled, this quiet, sophisticated house of easy style is scented by the sea breezes yonder and loved by those yearning for the simple good life, coast-side-up.

Foodie

A handful of delicious dishes feature on the menu with a  strong organic and bio inspired foodie concept basing itself at this chilled seaside resort - the food draws on its salt 'n turf location and sees Der Charlottenhof serve local bio raised meats, cheeses and of course lots of fish, through to the delights of home-made jams and freshly baked cakes - homely with style, the food complements the scene of coastal chill from breakfast till dinner, edged in the style of Cape Cod cool.

Location

Set within the German coastal village of Ahrenshoop on the Baltic Sea (Ostsee), Der Charlottenhof is a sand's hop from the dunes, seas and endless stretches of unspoilt beaches.

For a small town in the North of Germany, Ostseebad Ahrenshoop offers a surprisingly wide range of activities, both in nature and culture. Cyclists will love the Darßer National Park and the many bike paths in the wider area. The wild forest of Darß, protected since 1990 can be explored by bike too, or by foot. The Bodden bay, within sight from the upper bedrooms, has small swimming areas with sandy beaches with quite windy conditions ideal for kiting and surfing. A climbing forest in the village of Born can entertain groups and families.

Owner

For a spot of culture, visit the old Hanseatic cities of Rostock or Stralsund, or visit the art museum in Ahrenshoop where local artists from the former artist’s colony are exhibited. Heike Gebhard decided to throw in the corporate towel and switch for a life in her favourite place to pursue a new creative path of interior design.

Heike created a crafted home on the coast that she shares with her guests – it is a hotel that echoes her artistic use of materials and finishes and her tale of how to fall in love with a place on the seashore.