Villa des Generaldirektors

In the tranquil neighborhood of Dahlem, the Villa des Generaldirektors whispers stories of a bygone era. The Villa des Generaldirektors stands before you, a stately residence built in 1925-26. This wasn’t just any villa. It was specifically designed for the Generaldirektor of the prestigious Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gesellschaft. The Munich architect, Carl Sattler, who happened to be related to the first Generaldirektor, Friedrich Glum, designed this elegant home. This commission elevated Sattler to the coveted position of house architect for the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gesellschaft, a role he held until World War II. Glum desired a home reflecting a South German style, a vision Sattler meticulously brought to life. Glum, in his memoirs, described his request: “a South German style with a high-pitched roof and window grilles, often found in baroque country houses.” The Villa des Generaldirektors stands as a testament to this vision, embodying the charm of late baroque aesthetics. The facade boasts an axial symmetrical design, crowned by a hipped roof. The white lattice windows, nestled beneath the eaves and adorned with shutters, evoke a sense of timeless elegance. A welcoming entrance alcove, complete with a basket railing, graces the center of the house, further enhanced by the ox-eye windows on either side. Inside, a traditional villa layout unfolds. The ground floor housed social and living areas. The upper floors contained bedrooms, children’s rooms, guest rooms, and staff quarters. Sattler’s influence extended to the interior, as he even designed some of the rooms, including the music room. Friedrich Glum resided in this elegant home until 1938. He was then forced out by the Nazis. His successor, Ernst Telschow, oversaw renovations in 1938. These included altering the room layout on the ground floor and adding a garage. Telschow lived here until 1945. Today, the Villa des Generaldirektors continues its legacy, serving as a residence for members of Berlin’s Max Planck Institutes. In 1974, it was converted into a multi-family dwelling, housing four units.