Villa Francke

Hidden behind these elegant walls lies Villa Francke. It’s more than just a beautiful building. It’s a silent witness to Potsdam’s rich history. Villa Francke was built between 1873 and 1874. It served as a summer residence for Carl Francke, a wealthy Berlin timber merchant. Imagine escaping the bustling city for this tranquil haven. The villa’s design, a blend of Dresdner and Italian Renaissance styles, speaks of Francke’s refined taste. Picture him strolling through the 1.3-hectare park. Perhaps he admired the ornate fountain in the center of the perfectly manicured gardens. The villa itself boasts impressive features. Intricate parquet floors, marble fireplaces, and stately columns whisper tales of a bygone era. In 1911, renowned architect Peter Behrens modernized the villa. He thoughtfully preserved its original structure, adding a tennis court behind the building, a testament to the changing times. During the GDR era, Villa Francke served a different purpose. It was used as a laboratory for the Russian military hospital. The pre-war owner, a British citizen, was spared expropriation and continued to rent out the house. Remarkably, the villa’s exquisite details survived this tumultuous period. The marble fireplaces, intricate stucco ceilings, and inlaid parquet floors remain as a testament to its enduring elegance. Today, Villa Francke stands as a protected landmark. It’s now owned by Villa K GmbH, and they have ambitious plans. They envision restoring the garden to its former glory, complete with a charming rondell and fountain, and even adding an orchard. They also plan to expand the villa’s 720 square meters of usable space with an underground addition, transforming it into an art museum. In fact, the villa already hosted exhibitions in 2018. Villa Francke has played many roles throughout its history. From a peaceful summer retreat to a military laboratory, and soon, a vibrant art museum, it continues to evolve. Yet, it retains its original charm and whispers stories of Potsdam’s vibrant past.