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A Monastic Redesign
The Verwalterinnenhaus stands as the centerpiece of the former Johanniter Commandery. Revived by architects undjurekbrüggen and a consortium of designers, the 1890 structure honors its heritage through living balconies and reclaimed brickwork. The design focuses on reduction and locality, utilizing hemp insulation and lime plasters to create a breathable, tactile environment that fosters deep focus.
Exposed wooden beams meet smooth clay surfaces, while wood-burning stoves provide a primal warmth. Every detail, from the restored windows to the contemporary dormers, reflects a dialogue between the building’s administrative past and its new life as a rural sanctuary.
The grounds transition from a structured courtyard to the wilder greenery of the Elbe floodplain. Each apartment enjoys a private terrace or balcony, including a unique "growing" balcony supported by living trees on the west façade. Shared gardens and the historic brick vault, housing a wooden sauna and relaxation area, invite guests to engage with the surrounding Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve.
Layout
This vacation home for rent in Werben sleeps up to 24 guests across six apartments, accommodating two to eight each. The ground level features two units with queen beds and private terraces. The raised ground floor offers larger suites with kitchen islands and balconies. The attic is a sprawling communal space for eight guests with three bedrooms, while the tower houses a two-bedroom maisonette. All 10 bedrooms feature queen beds or sofa beds.
Experiences
Bookable services include access to the communal vaulted sauna and private sessions in the on-site workshop or studio spaces. Guests can arrange bicycle rentals for Elbe Cycle Path tours or reserve the expansive attic for organized offsites and creative seminars facilitated by the property’s cultural collective.
Good to know
Access to upper floors is via stairs only. The property is pet-friendly in specific ground-floor units and the attic for an additional fee. A car is recommended for exploring the wider Altmark region, though the village center is reachable by foot.
Amenities & services
Sauna, wood-burning stoves, kitchenettes, dishwasher, oven, bicycle storage, garden access, workshop space, studio, EV-charging station, wifi, pet-friendly (on request), organic products
Around
Werben is Germany’s smallest Hanseatic town, defined by half-timbered houses and the imposing St. John’s Church. The property sits on the edge of the Elbe meadows, part of the Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve, offering immediate access to the Elbe Cycle Path. Nearby cultural highlights include Jerichow Abbey (50km) and the Winckelmann Museum in Stendal (35km). For nature lovers, the floodplain landscape provides prime birdwatching and river walks. The town maintains a quiet, historic atmosphere, where the "Altmark pace" dictates the day. Regional rail connections are available via Seehausen, though the local cycle infrastructure is the primary way to experience the river.
Location
Werben (Elbe), Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. Nearest airport: Berlin Brandenburg (BER, 160km)
Best time to visit
May through September for cycling and river swimming. Thanks to the spacious sauna, the wood-burning stoves, and the large kitchens, the property is also very popular for short winter getaways.
Photography: Anne Schwalbe
