The organic family hotel Gut Nisdorf at the Boddenküste is a location with history: In 1302 it was mentioned for the first time in a document and in the Middle Ages it was a manor. Until it became the property of Sabine Stange and Jürg Gloor at the end of the 1990s a lot of things happened here – it was important to both to preserve as much as possible. At the same time, both attached great importance to renovate everything as sustainable as possible.

From manor to a country estate covered by limes

After a fire in 1898, it was rebuilt by its then-owner in its present shape. Nevertheless, the landowners were expropriated and expelled after the second world war; in the mansion refugees or resettlers from the Eastern regions were accommodated. The land reform provided for a subdivision of the extensive area and the agricultural production co-operative took over the building, stopped the renovation on account of lacking material. The mansion house became more and more ruinous.

The dream: A family hotel at the Baltic Sea

At the end of the 90s, Sabine Stange and Jürg Gloor were in search of a house in which they could realize their dream of a holiday home for families at the Baltic Sea. In 1997 after 1 1/2 years of intensive search they discovered Gut Nisdorf. It was a quick decision to purchase the house and a year later they started with the renovation. However, the funds which were promised to the family were not granted, a setback for both.  Sabine and Jürg stuck to the idea and with a small bank loan, regional workers and a lot of internal labor they finished the first five flats in 2003. In the summer of 2004, another seven flatlets followed. Since 1999 the family itself lives in the old walls and loves the atmosphere. And also, when the renovation of the manor was extremely challenging and lasted longer than expected: For the construction and renovation only sustainable and non-toxic materials were used.

Build and live climate-friendly without fuss or quibble

Sustainability and organic management are important for Jürg and Sabine not only with the choice of food but in all areas of their family hotel. „We are simply always sustainable and green “, tells Jürg laughing. „Maybe we are a bit special because we have an old mansion and pay attention to the preservation of the substance. But elsewhere we would make it the same way. “

Again and again, the two let their creativity run free during the renovation process – and today, there are some really impressing upcycling projects to be found at the family hotel. In the past, wooden shutters were used inside the rooms to darken them. Unfortunately, these did not fit for the new windows. What to do now, throw them away? “No way!“ said Jürg. “We have built a wall paneling and the buffet furniture from the wooden shutters in the dining room.” Timber, which could no longer be used because of woodworm damage, also found a new purpose: as a small castle next to the natural swimming pond.

Surprise visit with consequences

In late autumn of 2004, the then Minister for Economic Affairs Dr. Otto Ebnet surprised Sabine and Jürg with his visit bringing along a positive note of the required funds. With the funds, the playground and the wellness area could be rearranged and the roof further extended. As a qualified electrical engineer and information scientist Jürg put the focus on low energy consumption of the sauna and wellness area. Besides the sauna is operated on with only 60 degrees and air humidity: That is enough to sweat and is still pleasant for children.

Wood to feel good and relaxed

For the furniture (with a few historical exceptions) the couple only used oiled solid wood „We had to produce most of the furniture especially for ourselves, so it optimally fit in the flatlets – particularly in those in the attic – “reports Jürg. „It happens that pieces of furniture are painted by children or scratched, but thanks to the solid wood can be repaired easily: roughen and oil, ready. We have the furniture now for 15 years and they still look like on the first day. “We can only confirm this and the wood provides for a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. By the way: The ceilings are made of 16-meters-long trunks.

Many of the board flooring dates back to the construction year of the manor in 1898 and is made of Canadian pitch pine (very hard, robust pine) or oak. „The pitch pine floorboards are originally 3.5 cm thick, “reports Jürg. „They have survived so no need to exchange them with modern click parquet “

Clay paint on the walls and the wonderful old doors and door frames which were restored by Sabine and Jürg affectionately also contribute to the special climate.

Natural materials for a long lifespan

Who builds sustainably, benefits as demonstrated by the playground of Gut Nisdorf. 14 years ago, it was built by a local company, with trees and regional wood. „We have used natural, long-lasting materials, have used short routes of transportation and have supported local jobs “, Jürg reports. „The playground is intensely used by our guests and still is in great condition. It only needs every few years – for optical reasons – a new painting with natural colors. And maybe one has to exchange aboard sometimes, but this is it. “

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