Urban real estate has always commanded a premium. That's no surprise, then, that even the smallest plots in the city center eventually get built upon. Yet this Cologne townhouse—with the cathedral in sight—stands distinctly apart. Six floors rise from a mere 60 m² of land. Behind its neo-Gothic façade, eight apartments now welcome temporary residents. But before the first guests could stay at "statthaus – statt hotel," the building needed comprehensive restoration. "The city conservator warned me before I bought it," recalls owner and architect Kristin Reuther-Mercurio. "'As much as I'd love to see it restored... I'd advise against it.'"

Reuther-Mercurio acquired the neglected building despite its condition—ravaged by time and an abandoned previous renovation attempt. Windows reduced in size during the 1970s were carefully restored to their original proportions, and suspended ceilings were removed to expose the original structure. The stonemason sourced matching sandstone for the meticulous restoration of the protected façade—notably from the same quarry that supplies stone for the cathedral itself. Friezes and capitals were renewed while the historic gable was preserved, though the roof required complete reconstruction. Inside, architectural details echo the building's original era, yet the 16 to 57 m² rooms embrace contemporary comfort. Where ceiling heights reach 4.25 m, sleeping galleries create additional space. Some units function as maisonettes. Built-in cabinetry tucks seamlessly into niches, providing guests with practical storage. Oiled oak floors warm the rooms, each finished in its own distinctive palette. Whimsical touches—kitchen lights inspired by tin cans, storage cubbies cleverly integrated into locker sides—reveal a passion for thoughtful design. Simple bathrooms with white tile and glass respect both budget constraints and the challenges of renovating protected structures. This meticulous attention to detail and historical integrity does more than delight guests; it enriches the entire streetscape.

www.statthaus.de

Photography Credits:

Patricia Banczyk
www.bewegende-momente.com

(Published in CUBE Cologne Bonn 03|21)