5 places: This used to be something different
Do you ever get the feeling that you'd love to hear the stories a building could tell? Quite often, when I'm in old or repurposed buildings, I'd love to ask the walls what funny or emotional things have happened there. Like, "If these walls could talk!" We've compiled a list of five places with fascinating histories where you can enjoy a unique vacation today.
How about a night in a Swedish fish factory?
Loading factories Literally meaning "Fish Crate Factory" – the accommodation of the same name is located on a beautiful archipelago off the west coast of Sweden. Fish crates and wooden boats were once manufactured here. Today, it offers a nature-filled holiday experience, and the colorful interior instantly lifts your spirits. Of course, the building's original purpose still plays a role; some fish crates serve as colorful storage.
Hosts Johan and Marcel renovated the house themselves and do almost everything else themselves as well. In the evenings, guests can enjoy a delicious three-course meal in the large eat-in kitchen year-round, in a family atmosphere. They savor their meal at a whimsically decorated table, because they love shapes, colors, and decorations. They are members of "Matvägen Bohuslan," an initiative for everyone who loves to cook and eat, but with food that adheres to sustainable principles regarding the environment and raw materials. And that brings us full circle – naturally, fresh fish is a staple here!
A retreat among angels
The village is located in a linear village in Brandenburg. "MariaMaria" A mysterious brick building, hidden within a park-like estate. Part of the large stable building was converted into the Catholic chapel "Mary of the Angels" in the 20s by an initiative of Catholic working girls and women. The church has since been deconsecrated, and the buildings are listed as historical monuments. The owners were speechless 15 years ago when they discovered the building and the chapel, as one can see directly into the chapel upon entering the rectory – a surprising and impressive sight.
They renovated the rectory sustainably and carefully, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere with stylish details and carefully selected furnishings. The large eat-in kitchen, with its huge window where you can lie on furs and look out into the garden, is in the MariaMaria the favorite spot of all guests.
Stepping out of the church portal, one finds a garden with a fire pit nestled between the stallion stable and the ruined barn, and an old, ornate gate leading out into the fields and meadows of the Prignitz region, the least densely populated area in Germany.
So, if you're looking for nature and want to relax all your senses, you've come to the right place with family or friends.
This used to be a consumer cooperative – vacation in a former supermarket
If this house could talk, it would surely have some exciting stories to tell. It was built in 1879. Zarchlin Manor built. After the Second World War, it was initially the seat of the Russian military administration, then the LPG office, a kindergarten, a consumer supermarket, and it was used temporarily as a banquet hall.
A few years ago, Marianne and Daniel Krüger discovered the house with its large park and renovated it using ecological building methods. Following the motto "Historic meets contemporary," the listed building structure is being carefully renovated while simultaneously being equipped with modern comforts. Stylish wooden furniture, restored timber beams, and the original plank floors create a cozy atmosphere in the holiday apartments. Designer lamps, custom-made wooden fixtures by architect Daniel himself, and individual details complement the stylish interior.
Besides a large hall and a seminar room, there is also a communal kitchen available to all guests. Here, they can eat together and chat. Speaking of chatting – the hosts enjoy showing their guests around and recounting the building's eventful history – and the house continues to listen in silence.
It's never too late here! Living in an old train station in Austria
The old Lermoos train station was built in 1910 as part of the construction of the Mittenwald Railway. It was an important part of one of the first electrified railway lines in Europe. After years of vacancy, Cleo Weber and Johann Ehmann purchased the building from the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) and renovated it over a period of four years. It was finally opened in May 2023. Lermooser – which, of course, is still located right next to the train station. The clean design lends the rooms a unique atmosphere of coziness and tranquility, while the original features like the floors and windows retain the charm of bygone eras. The spacious communal kitchen and the former waiting room are available for all guests to use. Here, everyone can cook and enjoy meals together – without any delays.
Time flies here: A former tower in England
Im The Control Tower Guests can expect a unique experience in a historic building. During World War II, the site served as an air traffic control center. Today, the tower impresses with its modernist architecture – lovingly restored by hosts Nigel and Claire. The rooms are furnished with period furniture and artwork that reflect the style and elegance of the 1930s. In the stairwell, the walls have been left in their original condition, and the polished concrete staircase remains unchanged. Spacious common areas and repurposed spaces – such as the former air traffic controllers' rest room – invite guests to relax and unwind. Beautiful cycling routes are available in the surrounding area. A local bike rental service delivers bicycles directly to the control tower. After all, cycling is much more environmentally friendly than flying!
© Photos: MariaMaria / Bernd Schönberger Loading factories, Zarchlin Manor, LERMOOSER / Franziska-Thalhammer, The Control Tower
Geraldine Voss
Geraldine works as a freelance writer for Good Travel and has just completed training as a sustainability manager. After twenty exciting years in film, she now devotes herself full-time to her other passions - travel, food and design.
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