A neglected farmstead in Marquartstein, nestled in the picturesque Chiemgau region, desperately needed new life. Built in 1909, the property underwent a comprehensive renovation and conversion from 2016 to 2019. What began as a three-part ensemble became a harmonious trio – a "ménage à trois": the original farm complex of a farmhouse, barn, and adjoining cottage was reimagined as three independent, self-contained residential units.

"Preserve the past, embrace the future" – this guiding principle shaped every decision. In the main farmhouse, which dominates the 3,500 m² property, the team carefully retained the building's original character wherever possible. Historic lime plaster and spruce flooring were meticulously restored, and the raw stone wall in the kitchen was exposed to reveal its heritage. "The unadorned simplicity of the spaces and the quality of natural light create an almost monastic serenity," notes the Buero Philipp Moeller team from Munich, who oversaw the entire renovation. "You can feel the house's history in every room."
Preserving the main building's original appearance was a legal requirement reflecting the region's vernacular architecture. This commitment to authenticity extended to keeping the slightly uneven door frames, pine floorboards, and original windows intact – a thoughtful approach that respects the building's integrity without surrendering to heavy-handed modernization. The second structure, the former barn, received a polished concrete screed in place of its original concrete floor, while wooden wall panels were added to reinforce its original agricultural character.

The interior maintains a generous, loft-like quality. An open steel staircase ascends to a gallery space on the upper floor. Large windows punctuate the formerly closed side wall, framing views of Marquartstein Castle. Similarly, the adjoining cottage now opens to the landscape through new fenestration – offering breathtaking views across the Chiemgau Alps. Positioned just beyond the village center and surrounded by open countryside on all sides, the farmstead now accommodates three separate households. All interior systems – bathrooms, fireplaces, stoves, kitchens, and cabinetry – are newly installed. The heating system reflects contemporary standards, combining liquid gas burners for radiant floor heating in the washhouse with wall-mounted heating in the farmhouse and barn.

www.bueropm.com

(Published in CUBE Munich 04|20)