Deep in the Allgäu, in a sheltered valley, in the middle of the forest on a clearing and right by a stream, the Hammerschmiede has stood for about 400 years. Outside, the storms rage. In the Hammerschmiede, there is tranquility. Outside, electromagnetic smog prevails. In the Hammerschmiede, there is tranquility. No artificial noise can be heard. Birds chirp and the stream babbles. Peace, calm, strength.

In 1907, the last blacksmith set aside his tools. The Hammerschmiede lay in a deep slumber, like Sleeping Beauty, for many years until we began reviving it to new life. In 2015, we completely renovated the house from the ground up.

Our task was to preserve the historic charm of the building while transforming it for modern use. To create a pleasant living climate, the facade was completely renewed. Vertical and horizontal wooden frames reinforce the exterior wall and bear two layers of wood-fiber insulation boards. A climate membrane makes the house windproof. The cladding, left in its naturally rough-sawn state, is made from local woods. For the front of the main house, the shingle master—over 80 years old—hand-carved tens of thousands of shingles.

The Hammerschmiede is not under historic monument protection. In one part of the first floor, we were able to preserve the original historic windows. The double-glazed windows, as well as the electrical system and the roof, were renewed before our time. The house is heated by a central oil heating system and wood stoves. The oil burner has been updated recently. Underfloor heating has been installed on the ground floor and above the garage.

The Hammerschmiede lies directly on the Tobelbach, which offers only positives. The stream stays in its bed and poses no threat of flooding.

The Tobelbach provides a natural air conditioning. Despite rising summer temperatures, the evenings are pleasantly cool for sleeping.

For many, the most extraordinary aspect of the Hammerschmiede is its silence. Here one is immersed in pure nature, yet within minutes one can reach the village, the nearby town of Lindenberg, or, in just under 40 minutes, Lake Constance. By following the path into the valley, one can deliberately leave behind the hustle and bustle of the 21st century and enjoy a different pace of life. It is a very special, ancient place of power—a true paradise in the Allgäu.

In winter, the Hammerschmiede is securely nestled. The cozy, historic building protects against the cold, and the wooden walls radiate warmth and security. The wood stoves provide a pleasant additional warmth to the central oil heating. The road that leads through the forest to the house is a municipal road, with snow being cleared regularly—starting by six o’clock at the latest. A cross-country skiing trail and extensive winter hiking paths lead just a few meters from the house into the wonderfully winter-sport-connected Allgäu.