Could this elegant villa have once been a simple coffee house? We are standing before Villa Jacobs, a testament to Potsdam’s architectural evolution. Originally built in 1842 for Ludwig Jacobs, a prominent sugar manufacturer, it was designed by Ludwig Persius in the style of an Italian tower villa. The villa’s location on the shores of the Jungfernsee, with its picturesque views, made it a coveted address. Imagine strolling through its once 8-hectare landscape garden, designed by the renowned Peter Josef Lenné! The Villa Jacobs wasn’t always known by this name. In 1886, it was leased to Prince Alexander of Prussia, earning it the moniker “Villa Alexander” . Later, in 1896, it was acquired by Emperor Wilhelm II, further solidifying its connection to the Prussian elite. Unfortunately, the villa’s fortunes changed after World War II. Used as a kindergarten by the Soviet Army, its location within the sensitive border zone led to its neglect and eventual demolition in 1981. The once-grand villa was reduced to rubble, and its beautiful park became a simple allotment garden. But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Villa Jacobs experienced a rebirth. Thanks to the efforts of architect Stefan Ludes and author Marianne Ludes, who acquired the property in 2005, it was painstakingly reconstructed. Today, the villa stands as a testament to their dedication and a reminder of Potsdam’s enduring spirit. Though its history is marked by both periods of grandeur and times of hardship, Villa Jacobs today stands as a symbol of resilience and renewal on the banks of the Jungfernsee.
Rote Villa
Why is it called the *Rote Villa*, you might wonder, as you stand before this striking building? Well, its nickname,