Have you noticed the serene atmosphere surrounding us here at Gut Hohekamp? This estate whispers tales of Bremen’s rich land and estate culture. Gut Hohekamp is located in Bremen, in the Burglesum district, specifically in Burg-Grambke. Find it at Burger Heerstraße 20–22 via Buschmannsweg.
The main house was built around 1825. The Hofmeierhaus, or farm manager’s house, appeared in the same year. The park was added around 1840. Since 2014, the entire ensemble has been under Bremen’s protection as a historical monument.
Let’s delve into its history. The Meierhof Hohekamp began south of the Lesum in the Werderland. In 1509, it belonged to Johann Wyttinges. Around 1741, a Doctor Schumacher owned it. His first name remains a mystery to us. By 1781, the estate was in the hands of Bremen merchant Johann Eberhard von Hoorn. After his death in 1802, Ludwig Christian Wernicke took ownership. In 1804, Gerhard Herklots acquired it.
In 1824, Johann Heinrich Buschmann, a ship broker, bought Gut Hohekamp. At that time it was still just a Vorwerk or outwork. The buildings stand on an offshoot of the Bremen dune. This is within the bounds of the Burg community.
An interesting side note comes from the Second Stader Comparison in 1741. A commission determined that the “Kämpen of Doctor Schumacher” belonged to Bremen. These were plots of land. This boundary differed from the field boundary at the time. It required more complex demarcation.
The estate was expanded. The tree-lined driveway was added. The now two-story residential house got a hipped roof. The park was established around 1840. The Hofmeierhaus got its year inscription in 1825. Friedrich Barnstorf became the owner. His widow sold the estate in 1860. The buyer was Bremen merchant Carl August Gruner.
His son, Theodor Gruner, inherited it in 1888. Theodor was president of the Bremen Parliament in 1905. He bought additional land. In 1888, the residential house was raised. It received its classicist plaster facade and the historic windows were preserved. The Hofmeierhaus was also rebuilt. Around 1900, the green spaces were transformed.
In 1906, the residential house was remodeled. The plans came from Bremen architects Alfred Runge and Eduard Scotland. This was one of their first projects. The client was Heinrich Wiegand. He was a shipowner and general director of the North German Lloyd. He also commissioned these architects to remodel his city house on Richard-Wagner-Straße 20.
Wiegand’s widow sold the estate in 1913 to Eduard Focke. He was a real estate agent. Focke had Wilhelm Blanke remodel it. Further alterations to the outbuildings occurred in 1929 and 1946. The new owner was Carl Erling. He was the general director and founder of Rolandmühle. Since then, the property has remained within the family.
The State Office for Monument Preservation Bremen noted its importance. Gut Hohekamp is a prime example of Bremen’s estate culture. This culture thrived especially in Oberneuland and along the Lesum River. The remodeling of the residential house is of great architectural historical significance.
Please note: Gut Hohekamp should not be confused with Gut Hoherkamp in Bremen-St. Magnus. Also, a Haus Hohenkamp exists in Bremen-Oberneuland. As we conclude our visit to Gut Hohekamp, remember its significance. It represents Bremen’s enduring land and estate heritage. Its architectural evolution reflects changing times and tastes. It remains a testament to Bremen’s cultural landscape.