Nestled in Sacrow at Kladower Allee 12 stands Haus Perlis. Have you ever wondered about the stories held within its walls? This villa whispers tales of Jewish bankers, daring escapes, divided Germany and television fame. Its story is as captivating as the red brick facade itself.
Haus Perlis began its life in the late 1920s. The Jewish banker Julius Perlis commissioned architect Leo Nachtlicht to design this beautiful villa. Nachtlicht’s vision resulted in a striking two-story brick building with a hipped roof covered in red tiles.
Julius Perlis and his family enjoyed only a few years in their dream home. As the Nazi regime rose to power, life became increasingly dangerous for Jewish people in Germany. In 1935, Julius Perlis was forced to leave Haus Perlis to his wife Rosa.
Rosa Perlis bravely faced the looming threat. In 1939, she managed to escape Nazi Germany. She survived the Holocaust but never returned to her beloved Haus Perlis. The villa then carried the name Villa Nachtlicht.
After World War II, Haus Perlis took on a new role. It was transformed into a children’s home. However, its location presented a unique challenge. The Berlin Wall ran through the garden, severing access to the Havel River. For years, the children could only gaze at the water from a distance because the death strip stood between them and the shore.
After the wall fell in 1989, the children’s home was closed in 1997. The villa stood empty for a while. Finally, Haus Perlis was renovated. It was transformed back into a private residence.
Interestingly, Haus Perlis found fame beyond Potsdam. It became known as “Haus Kupfer” in the popular TV series “Weissensee”. In the series, the villa served as the home of a Stasi family. Ironically, the show was successful even in Russia.
In one memorable scene, a man tries to persuade the owner to replace the solid old wooden door. He suggests swapping it for a cheap modern one. She refuses. This showed her commitment to the house’s original character.
Today, Haus Perlis stands as a reminder of Potsdam’s complex past. It’s a symbol of resilience, escape, division and reunification. Its walls have witnessed joy and sorrow, family life and institutional care, neglect and restoration. As you stand before Haus Perlis, take a moment to consider its multifaceted history. Think about Julius and Rosa Perlis, the children who lived here, and the actors who brought its story to the screen. This villa is more than just a building. It’s a living testament to Potsdam’s enduring spirit.