This small architect-designed house is situated on a fruit tree orchard covering approximately 4,000 m² on the southern slope above the Kleine Kyll valley. In front of the house, the view is dominated by woods, meadows, and nature; no other houses are visible from here. At the same time, the center of Schutz is only about 300 meters away. Behind the house, along the road, there are a few other vacation homes. This makes the location feel very secluded without being completely isolated.
Completed in 2019, the house was specifically designed for this unique location on a steep slope. Its architecture thrives on a striking contrast: on the slope and access side, the building blends into the landscape with a roof that slopes down low and largely closed facades. On the south side, which is shielded from view, it takes on a completely different character. Here, the roof rises, and a large, floor-to-ceiling window band opens the interior spaces onto the valley.
Inside, too, the house does not follow a traditional layout with many separate rooms. From the entrance, you first enter the high-ceilinged living and dining area with an open kitchen. The sloping roof gives this part of the house a surprising amount of space, while the large windows consistently draw the eye outward.
Adjacent to this is the significantly lower fireplace nook. Built-in sofas make it a cozy counterpart to the open living area: From here, you can gaze both into the fire in the wood-burning stove and out into the valley. Behind it lies the sleeping area, featuring a 160 × 200-centimeter double bed and down comforters. From the bed, too, the view extends outward through the continuous row of windows. Those who prefer more privacy can separate the sleeping area from the rest of the house with a sliding door.
Materials also play an important role in architecture. The base is made of exposed concrete, atop which sits a wooden structure with a facade of carbonized, nearly black wood. Inside, a floor of greenish-shimmering quartzite runs through the various areas; wood paneling adds warmth to the deliberately minimalist design.
The kitchen is high-quality and fully equipped for guests who enjoy cooking for themselves while on vacation. The amenities include an induction cooktop, oven, dishwasher, microwave, and refrigerator with freezer, as well as high-quality pots, pans, and professional-grade knives. For coffee, there’s a Senseo machine, an Italian espresso maker, and a pour-over filter.
The house is also well-equipped in terms of technology: free, unlimited Wi-Fi, an internet-enabled TV with streaming options, and a Naim Mu-so hi-fi system are all included. Heating is provided by underfloor heating powered by a brine heat pump, which runs on 100 percent green electricity. In addition, the wood-burning stove in the living area provides warmth.
A significant part of your stay takes place outdoors. The large south-facing terrace overlooks the countryside and offers a sweeping view of the Kleine Kyll Valley. There’s also a balcony, garden furniture by Fermob, a Lafuma lounge chair, and the large lawn surrounding the house. On clear nights, you can see the Milky Way from here.
A lockable basement is available for bicycles; there is also a washing machine and a private parking space on the property.
You can start hiking and biking trips right from Schutz. The Burbergweg trail begins in the village, and the surrounding area includes the Meerfelder Maar, Manderscheid with its two castles and the Lieserpfad, as well as numerous other trails through the Vulkaneifel. In the summer, there is a swimming area at the Meerfelder Maar.
The house can be booked exclusively for two people. Pets are not allowed, and the house is smoke-free.
