Country houses and the road to modernity (1770-1990)

You may encounter them everywhere in Germany – palaces, manor houses, and stately homes made from stone, mortar, and plaster, as ruins, museums, seats of noble families, or luxury hotels.
Collectively, we call them: country houses.

Their façades may appear stable and immutable, but don’t be deceived by first impressions: Country houses look back on an eventful history. Step into their past and meet their many different occupants.

Explore the country house room by room and have a look behind the façade: Every room tells a new story of men and mice, of walls and windows – where would you like to start?

Welcome to the Country House

Explore the country house room by room and have a look behind the façade: Every room tells a new story of men and mice, of walls and windows – where would you like to start?

Select a room or go on a tour on one of these fascinating themes:

Rule

You think noble families lived in the lap of luxury on their estates? Here you can learn more about their social engagements and their way of thinking

Economy

You are wondering how people in the country house made ends meet? Here you can learn more about their various incomes and financial concerns.

Work

Would you like to meet the people who worked in the country house? Here you can learn more about their lives and their tiring daily routines.

Great Hall

Have you got an appointment with his lordship or her ladyship? Then come along to the great hall. Perhaps the village mayor will already have arrived as well …

Enter room

Barn

Country houses, their upkeep, and life in them are expensive. Where did the necessary money come from? Learn more here.

Enter room

Bedroom

Is the bedroom an intimate space? Not necessarily. Here you can have a peek at how the noble family used theirs.

Enter room

Kitchen

Is your stomach growling? Then let’s have a look at the kitchen. Country houses are always well supplied.

Enter room

Toilet

Need to relieve yourself? Come along to the Toilet. Don’t expect too much comfort, though…

Enter room

Servants’ hall

This way to the servants' dining and common room. There is little time for rest, work is always waiting.

Enter room

Attic

Just the same as in many dwellings, the country house attic serves as a good storage space for all those things that are not needed right now. But do you think we’ll also find treasures among all the bits and bobs?

Enter room

Stable

Do you like animals? Let’s go and visit the stable.

Enter room

Park

How about a stroll in the park? Are you sure that you are allowed to enter?

Enter room