Dream house in the Harz: Brockhaus couple overcomes unexpected challenges!

Dream house in the Harz: Brockhaus couple overcomes unexpected challenges!

Anyone who travels to the Harz often feels like they are in a fairy tale. Dense forests and picturesque landscapes invite you to relax and retreat. The couple Anke and Ulrich Brockhaus from Hildesheim also experienced this. While looking for a second home in the Upper Harz, they finally came across a ditch house that captured their hearts. So reported news38.de.

The Grabenhaus, a monument with potential, should not only serve as a retreat for the couple, but also provide space for a holiday apartment that can be rented out. Initially the modernization seemed to be a piece of cake. But after the purchase it turned out that unexpected problems awaited. An unreliable well and a lack of access rights dampened the Brockhaus's anticipation.

Challenges and solutions

However, the difficulties did not end there. The previous owners' fence didn't even correspond to the actual size of the property. Private access to the house required an annual fee and was via someone else's property. Several attempts to contact the previous owners to purchase additional land failed as the municipality was unable to provide information due to strict data protection regulations.

The condition of the three-chamber sewage treatment plant, which discharged unregistered wastewater “to nowhere,” and the well, which did not provide enough water to meet requirements, were further stumbling blocks. There was even consideration of tapping into the Altenau elevated tank. Renting out the holiday apartment also turned out to be much more complex than originally thought, as numerous requirements had to be met, such as providing fire extinguishing water for the fire brigade. Despite all these adversities, the Brockhaus never thought about giving up their trench house.

Thanks to cooperative authorities and intensive research, they were ultimately able to overcome all challenges and are now receiving positive feedback from their guests. Anke Brockhaus emphasizes that she doesn't regret the purchase, even if the work doesn't outweigh the work.

Historical significance and tourism potential

Your moat house is in the context of the impressive history of the Upper Harz water management, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in August 2010. It is considered the largest and most important pond and ditch network system in the world. For more than 800 years, water management was an essential source of strength for mining in the Upper Harz. The historic system, which includes 107 ponds, 310 kilometers of moats and 30 kilometers of underground watercourses, can still be explored today on guided hikes. Here you have the opportunity to experience the impressive relics of the past through narrow paths, above and below ground harzinfo.de describes.

In the midst of this fascinating history, life in the Upper Harz blossoms for the Brockhaus people. The beautiful landscape and cultural treasures make the Harz a special place that captivates both locals and visitors.