We use cookies. Read more
Fränzi & Jan
Becoming hoteliers - out of the blue
In 2020 we took over the courtyard from its previous owners, and with it, an already existing concept of a classical countryside hotel. Initally we had been looking for a house in Brandenburg, when all of a sudden we turned into hoteliers. Soon after opening, Corona arrived as our first guest. During lockdowns we went wild on renovations: the rooms needed a touch-up, new Internet enclosure, facades, seminarrooms, sheets, towels, pipes, antennas, Tvs – you name it. Also we went for the reconstruction of the entire seminarhaus. Not to forget the 5000 guest, we welcomed inbetween lockdowns.
Trying out, sensing the place and growing into it
Eager to try out the concept of our predecessors, we wanted to sense how it would suit our family and then (maybe) develop it further. We had some ambitious ideas which did’t work out and- of course a few things turned out completely different than expected. There were highs and quite some lows. Joy and doubt but always an immense faith into this incredibly, beautiful and magical place, which often jangeled our nerves. And – there was our life and work in Berlin.
Progressing in 2022
“Plat-form” is a strange word. And yet exactly what came to our mind, when we first discovered the courtyard in April 2019. Now, after two intensive years with many new experiences it is clear to us which direction is ours to head: we aim to create a place where all sorts of people come together, create together, energize, work, mingle, experience and bond together.
Bringing all sorts of people to one table is something that has always played an important role in our life. Now it is a much bigger table that we can invite people to. And we are happily looking forward to it – to those who will join!
The Märkische Höfe –
a place full of history,
culture and change
It all began with the peaceful bleating of sheep
[early 20th century]
Built around 1903, the Märkische Höfe initially served as a farm and belonged to the Gäntikow family.
GDR times
[middle 20th century]
The farms are subordinated to the East German Agricultural Production Cooperative. The farm administration/management resides in the “Gäntikowhaus”.
After the change
[middle 20th century - 1991]
Already before the fall of the wall, the farm stood empty without any purpose or owner and was progressively deteriorating.
The beginning of the reinvention
[1991 - 2000]
Horst Wagenfeld, landscape architect and visionary from Düsseldorf, found out about Netzeband. Wagenfeld started renovating the church, with the help of subsidies. His motto was “New life in old walls”. In the course of time, he transformed two of farms—including today’s Märkische Höfe—into a country hotel with a riding school, petting zoo, tree nursery and farm shop.
Raising the curtain for further potential
[est. in 1996]
Johanna Wagenfeld, wife of Horst Wagenfeld, adds her own touch of magic. She founded the Theatersommer in Netzeband. Since 1996, this annual event has transformed the once overgrown estate park into an enchanted theatre backdrop, drawing drama fans from far beyond Berlin and Hamburg to this tranquil little village.
South Tyrol inspires Märkisches Land
[2002 - 2020]
In 2002, South Tyroleans Hans and Martina Untersteiner acquired the farm and continued to develop Wagefeld’s vision with a great deal of warmth and drive. The passionate hostess, and Berlin-born Martina inspires a growing number of regular guests and Hans brings their visions to life with his craftsmanship and gardening skills.
A new chapter
[2020 - heute]
After 18 years of Märkische Höfe, the Untersteiners hand over the farm to Jan and Fränzi from Berlin, just before Corona hits the world. They start renovating and developing Märkische Höfe into a creative hotspot. Building on the vision and strength of their predecessors, their aim is to preserve the magic of this extraordinary space.
Märkische Höfe on Instagram
