“Once upon a time” is a phrase often used to begin a story. But this is no fairy tale. This is the Gutshaus Voigdehagen. Look at this beautifully restored manor house.
The Gutshaus Voigdehagen is more than just a pretty building. It’s a silent witness to centuries of history. A history deeply intertwined with the small village of Voigdehagen. A village first mentioned in 1282. Imagine the lives lived here since then.
For hundreds of years the nearby Heilgeistkloster managed Voigdehagen and the neighboring Zitterpenningshagen. The monastery’s records are remarkably complete. They reveal a rich tapestry of daily life. From farming and milling to disputes over water rights and boundaries. Think of the endless work of farmers and millers in those times.
The Gutshaus itself saw numerous owners. The records list several tenants. They leased the manor and surrounding lands for many years. The list includes names like Gervinus Hasert. He was a Stralsund citizen who leased the farms in Voigdehagen and Andershof. Many tenants managed farms in multiple villages. These villages were connected by old cobblestone roads. They are still present today.
The 19th century saw significant changes. New buildings arose. The railway connected Voigdehagen to the wider world. The station is gone now. But the railway crossing remains a testament to those times. It was renovated just a few years ago. The construction brought progress. The local economy benefited from improved transport. The area also provided land to the railway.
The Gutshaus changed hands throughout the years. By the end of World War II it was in the possession of the Mohr family. They had to flee at the war’s end. The lands were expropriated. They were later given to a collective farm. The Mohr family’s fate after the war is unknown. The Gutshaus is a reminder of the family’s history and their loss.
The Gutshaus Voigdehagen stands today as a testament to resilience. It survived war and regime change. It has been lovingly restored. The outbuildings are gone. A mill once stood on the hill. Research continues to unearth more details.
Now take a moment to fully appreciate the Gutshaus Voigdehagen. It’s a small but significant piece of Stralsund’s larger story. A story woven from the threads of countless lives. This silent story continues to unfold.