ArchitectureThe Prignitz farmhouse in brick as well as wooden post and beam construction is reminiscent of a manor house in its three-sided layout and was presumably the outwork for the estate of the von Klitzing family in Demerthin until 1872. The original materials are adapted to the local conditions: Brick, lime and clay plaster, wood and beaver tails.

Wooden windows with muntin divisions were used throughout the residence, borrowing from the appearance of the early twentieth century. Lime plaster based on the historical model provides a pleasant climate and new luster. Most of the current building materials (floorboards, paints, etc.) are sourced from the natural building yard in Roddahn or from the region (local, self-sawn pine wood as well as clay plaster from Hitzacker). Also the craftsmen, starting with the carpenters, plasterers for the facade renovation, to the clay builders, to the electrics and heating / plumbing all come from the Berlin-Brandenburg region.

With the furniture and the equipment family Obst attaches importance to longevity and to objects with character. Some of the historic furniture was found or purchased on site in the house, in the barn or from neighbors - right down to the last Brüsenhagen cast-iron bathtub. The furnishings are complemented by high-quality solid wood furniture. At the same time, the clear and simple character is intended to support mental relaxation. In addition, each apartment has natural clay walls, which radiate comforting warmth and security.

FoodThe guests cater for themselves. The Obst family is largely self-sufficient in vegetables, eggs and meat. The hosts are guided by natural, ecological cultivation and the idea of permaculture. It goes without saying that no genetic engineering, no artificial fertilizers and no chemical pesticides are used.

Thanks to the own cultivation and livestock farming, history is also connected with every bite of food. Guests can experience this at first hand: By volunteering to help with sowing, weeding, harvesting potatoes or corn, or shearing sheep. Guests are also invited to help themselves to food from the garden.

The hosts are oriented towards natural, ecological cultivation as well as the idea of permaculture and strive for a sustainable circular economy. It goes without saying that no genetic engineering, no artificial fertilizers and no chemical pesticides are used. The hosts are happy to organize an afternoon or evening with their guests. Specialties of the farm are for example lamb loin from the grill, in addition homemade potato salad, colorful tomato salad and a good sip of the self-pressed or Kyritzer apple juice. Julia Obst's own cakes, such as the Berliner Luft - rhubarb with meringue - or the Goldtröpfchentorte - cheesecake with ice cream topping - are considered legendary.

SocialThe Obst family supports the Förderverein Kirche in Brüsenhagen and the renovation of the Brüsenhagen church tower. The goal is to create a place of encounter in the small village. With their cultural work, they advocate a welcoming culture and, in this context, support the work of the St. Laurentius parish in Berlin in its refugee work.

With the prize money from the Literature Prize Northeast, they support young talents of German-language literature with a two-week writing residency. For example, Andreas Schäfer finished writing his novel Wir vier (Dumont) on the farm and Elisabeth Denis completed the rough draft of her youth fantasy novels Federherz and Federwelt (Oettinger34).

In addition, they support the Freie Schule Roddahn as a place of learning for self-responsible learning with inclusion.

Two barrier-free apartments in the former stable for age-appropriate and assisted living are in the planning stage.

EnvironmentThe use of the farm's own compost, manure and sheep's wool as mulch and fertilizer can be considered a successful example of a practiced circular economy. The farm also has a photovoltaic system that guarantees a high degree of independence during the day. Electricity has been purchased from green electricity suppliers since the farm was taken over.

Consumables and food for the vacation home and privately are purchased from local natural food retailers as well as a mail-order company specializing in sustainability - from liquid soap to organic cotton towels. Guests rest, moreover, on natural mattresses, in down comforters and the finest cotton.

Heating is provided by local wood from the forests in the immediate vicinity: a modern, efficient meter log wood gasifier supplies the entire farm. There is a farm compost for the guests, garbage is of course separated. The farm has a photovoltaic system, which makes the farm independent during the day. The rest of the electricity is already purchased from green electricity providers since the farm was taken over. A service water use for toilet and washing machine is in preparation and solar thermal for hot water production is planned.

If interested, farm, garden and field tours on the topics of ecological building, gardening with nature, wet meadows and forests are possible.