Previous names: The name “Königseck” has been retained since the establishment opened.

Architecture: A brick half-timbered building typical of the late 19th century.

Year of construction: 1887

History/owners until 1945: Miss Elisabeth von König had the house built in 1887. It was originally intended to be a painting school, as Miss von König was herself a painter. However, she had to give up painting for health reasons, and so Villa Königseck became a guesthouse. As Miss von König was no longer able to manage the house on her own, she sought help from the Deaconess House in Elbingerode. The following entry can be found in the housing records from 1902 to 1920: “Villa or House Königseck, owner Elis. von König.” From 1924 onwards, the house was listed as a “Christian Deaconess and Recreation Home.”

GDR period: The house was renovated in 1989. An extension for the kitchen was added to the east side of the house.

After 1990: In 2001, the dining room was given its current form and exterior appearance.

Current use: The facility is a deliberately Christian-run guest house, but is open to everyone. It belongs to the deaconess motherhouse “Neuvandsburg” in Elbingerode, a member of the German Community Diakonie Association.

Interesting facts/anecdotes: The motherhouse is home to the sisterhood, a community of women who believe in Jesus Christ, choose to remain unmarried, feel personally called to serve, and wear a traditional nun’s habit.

Photos: Klaus Boy collection, Binzer Bucht Tourismus collection, Binzer Bucht Tourismus, Lutz Grünke

Text: Klaus Boy, Reinhard Holmer, Binzer Bucht