The best things are often closer than you think

Fresh forest air replaces exhaust fumes. Peaceful silence replaces urban chaos. And pastoral scenery replaces endless traffic outside your door. Need an escape from city life? You could take a long vacation—or you could find complete rejuvenation just a short drive away, in the charming town of Bad Münstereifel. Nestled in the northern Eifel, this picturesque destination offers everything you need to truly unwind and recharge. Especially when your holiday retreat matches the beauty of its surroundings.

Designed and realized by Jonico Architektur und Design, this holiday home welcomes guests seeking respite with a distinctly modern yet inviting aesthetic. The property is a complete new construction, comprising both a private residence and a holiday apartment. While the owners occupy the main house, the holiday apartment awaits guests looking to spend a night or several restorative days in the Eifel. Thoughtfully architected, the apartment is an intimate sanctuary despite its proximity to the residential building. Set amid forests, meadows, and paddocks, the structure sits squarely within nature—which is precisely why the client insisted on bringing that natural connection indoors as well. This was achieved through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that fully retract toward the garden, allowing exterior and interior to merge seamlessly. During warm summer months, the garden effectively becomes an extension of the living space. Beyond a natural swimming pond, the grounds feature an outdoor sauna.

Yet the generous windows are only part of the story. The carefully selected materials throughout each room amplify that deep connection to nature. "Interior design for me meant incorporating wood paneling and natural stone to truly honor the principle of authenticity," the client explains. The wooden floors presented the greatest technical hurdle. The 200-year-old oak boards required precise moisture conditioning before installation—a challenging undertaking the carpenter initially hesitated to accept, but ultimately executed flawlessly. Today, these aged, characterful floorboards anchor the space and infuse the apartment with warmth. Natural stone brought its own complexities. Installing the fireplace surround, for instance, demanded 98 percent of the crane truck's maximum capacity.

"Using high-quality, timeless materials was fundamental to our approach," the client notes. Beyond wood and natural stone, the interiors feature clay plaster—a breathing material that naturally regulates humidity and enhances indoor air quality. Concrete elements on the ceiling and in the bathroom introduce architectural clarity and contrast. To showcase the natural stone and decorative accents, a layered lighting design combines targeted spotlighting with ambient illumination.

"It's perfect," reflects the owner, completely satisfied after nine months of construction. "Every square meter has been considered with intention—nothing excessive, nothing missing. Even down to details like electrical outlets, I wouldn't change a thing. Inside or out."

www.jonico.info

(From CUBE Cologne Bonn 01|20)