Imagine stepping back in time to 1885. The Villa Rosenhof is rising, a testament to Neorenaissance style. This is no ordinary building. It is a landmark in Dresden’s Loschwitz district.
The Rosenhof’s story begins long before its current form. Once, this land was a vineyard. Rittmeister von Schömberg owned it in 1627. Later, the Güntz family, publishers and booksellers, acquired it in 1753. The land changed hands several times. In 1848, the “Villa Solitude” was built as a summer residence.
Rosa Freifrau von Hausen bought the property in 1884. She and her husband, Hauptmann Clemens Freiherr von Hausen, commissioned the present Villa Rosenhof. Architect Oskar Kaiser designed it in 1885 and 1886. Rosa’s life was tragically cut short in 1888. She died giving birth to her second child. Clemens then became the sole owner. After his death, his second wife, Margarethe von Hausen, inherited it.
The Rosenhof then passed to their children. Marie-Elisabeth Freiin von Hausen and Nikolaus Freiherr von Hausen became the new owners. Marie-Elisabeth married Dr. Julius Hoch in 1926. After his death, the villa was divided into apartments. These “Etagenwohnungen” were rented out. In 1935, the property was further divided. Parcels were sold on Schevenstrasse and Körnerweg. Marie-Elisabeth Hoch retained the Rosenhof with her sons. These were Hans-Bernhard Hoch and Dr. Karl-Ludwig Hoch.
The Villa Rosenhof faced turbulent times in 1946. The Red Army seized the villa. It was used for officer housing until September 1946. The owners had to leave. Later, the family was allowed to return. However, maintaining the villa became difficult. Eight families lived there with up to 31 people. In 1976, Frau Hoch was forced to transfer the house to the city of Dresden.
The Rosenhof’s fate took a turn for the better in 1995. The property was returned to Dr. Hans-Christian Hoch. He was the grandson of the last owner. Since 1997, the Villa Rosenhof has been carefully restored. Hans-Christian Hoch oversaw the restoration.
The villa’s exterior retains its original charm. A central projection accentuates the Elbefront. It features a volute gable, veranda, and balcony. The elaborate entrance is at the rear. The Villa Rosenhof is considered significant. Its importance lies in its history, art, and urban development.
Besides the villa, other structures are under preservation. There is a well house with a 41-meter-deep well built in 1725. Also, there are vineyard terraces, retaining walls, and a small vineyard house. The gate, likely built around 1640, provides access from Körnerweg.
Nearby stands the Napoleonsäule. This sandstone stele marks where Napoleon stood on August 26, 1813. He observed the Battle of Dresden before his troops marched to Leipzig. A memorial plaque has commemorated this spot since August 26, 2013. The Rosenhof stands as a reminder of Dresden’s rich and complex past. It connects us to the families, battles, and architectural styles that have shaped this city.