Rumor has it that Landhaus Villa Jenny carries secrets from a bygone era. This charming villa stands as a testament to Potsdam’s rich history. Today we will uncover some of its hidden stories.
Landhaus Villa Jenny, originally built between 1912 and 1915, represents a typical house from the early 20th century. Its architectural style featuring a rectangular layout and a mansard roof reflects the popular design of that time.
Interestingly, Landhaus Villa Jenny experienced many changes in ownership before 1945. During the DDR era, it became known as the “Bratpfanne”. It was a popular student club of the Hochschule fu00fcr Film und Fernsehen. The Landhaus Villa Jenny was a vibrant hub for students.
More recently, from 2022 to 2023, Landhaus Villa Jenny underwent extensive renovations. The goal was to transform it into a comfortable home for a family. Semmer Architekten oversaw the project. They created detailed plans for the terraces and stairways.
The renovations included the main building and an adjacent structure. The smaller building was converted into a sauna house. This provided a modern touch to the historical property of Landhaus Villa Jenny.
Before its conversion, the sauna house was actually a former stable. Now it offers a relaxing retreat. It combines the old with the new at Landhaus Villa Jenny.
Now known as Landhaus Zankapfel, Emilie Winkelmann, a pioneering female architect, designed this house. Emilie faced prejudice. She was initially denied her degree due to her gender. She eventually became the first independent female architect in Germany.
Emilie Winkelmann named the house “Zankapfel”. The deeper meaning of the name remains a mystery. The house was home to Jenny Grupe and her daughters Adele and Margot. All three were artists. Some speculate the name references the beauty of the three women. They were like the Greek goddesses Hera, Athene, and Aphrodite.
The sisters sold the house in 1923. They moved to Prieros and founded a domestic science school. They dedicated their lives to their profession. They remained unmarried.
The current owners, the Erbeldinger family, bought the house in a dilapidated state. Reconstructing it was like a detective game for them. They took a year to plan the restoration of Landhaus Villa Jenny.
Very few original items remained. Only two cupboard doors and the staircase survived. The staircase leads from the living room to the upper floors of Landhaus Villa Jenny.
The restoration focused on using natural materials. The goal was to create a healthy living environment. This approach helped to revive the house’s original atmosphere.
Today Landhaus Villa Jenny stands as a beautiful example of architectural preservation. It blends historical charm with modern living. Its story reflects the changing times. It embodies the spirit of Potsdam’s Babelsberg district.