Früher: Villa Boeckmann

Former names: Villa Boeckmann, Villa Waldfrieden

Today: Villa Strandeck

Architecture: In the book “Pommersche Bäderarchitektur” (Pomeranian Spa Architecture) by Wolfgang Schneider & Torsten Seegert, the house is described as follows: In its early years, this guesthouse was a two-story solid structure with a dual layout of the sea-facing façade, similar to that found in various other places, consisting of a two-axis risalit and an adjoining four-axis loggia construction. … On both sides, loggias of different designs are attached – on the left side as a square, rectangular construction, on the right side deviating from this in a semi-hexagonal form. By the end of the 1930s, the house had been extended by one floor. At the same time, the risalit was given a tower-like upper section. …

Year of construction: Around 1889

History/owners until 1945: The house, probably the oldest guesthouse on the beach, was probably built around 1889 by a Mr. von Boeckmann. The information on the date of construction is somewhat contradictory in the literature; it could also have been 1890. Mr. von Boeckmann was Franz Ludwig Christian Adolf von Boeckmann, born in Starkow on July 25, 1837, and married to Meta Kruse (listed in the GGT, Gothaisches Genealogisches Taschenbuch der Adeligen Häuser (Gotha Genealogical Pocket Book of Noble Houses) of 1918, also listed in 1922).

The house apparently had no name initially – in Grieben’s 1894 travel guide “Die Insel Rügen” (The Island of Rügen), under the heading “Besonders gelobt werden die Logierhäuser” (The lodgings that receive particular praise), there is mention of “das von Boeckmann am Strande” (the von Boeckmann on the beach). This is how the names “Villa Boeckmann” and “Weinstube von Boeckmann” (1897 in Müller’s Rügen guide) came about. In 1901, Mr. von Boeckmann decided on the name “Waldfrieden” (Forest Peace), which was fitting for the exposed and unique location. The 1911 Binz guide stated the following:

Pension Waldfrieden, oldest guesthouse on the beach, located directly on the deciduous and coniferous forest, quiet, sheltered, preferred location. Generally recognized, good food. Electric light, water supply, sewerage, garden, glass verandas, balconies. June and September room rates significantly reduced. Tips are charged. Owner: von Boeckmann.

In the mid-1920s, the guesthouse was sold to the owner K. Lehfeld (as evidenced in the 1924 housing register), who continued to run it as the “Waldfrieden” guesthouse. In 1934, Mr. Lehfeld changed the name. Since then, it has been called Villa “Strandeck,” and this name remains to this day.

GDR era: During the GDR era, the Villa “Strandeck” was used as a residential building, among other things.

After 1990: Recent renovation work has led to slight structural changes on the side facing the promenade – additional windows in the masonry, a side risalit that does not reach the original depth, and the recessed gable with an open balcony in front are evidence of these measures (from the book “Pommersche Bäderarchitektur” by Wolfgang Schneider & Torsten Seegert).

Current use: Vacation homes and apartments

Interesting facts/anecdotes: A postcard from August 2, 1906 shows that international summer visitors were already staying at the guesthouse at that time and sending warm holiday greetings to their friends or relatives in Sweden. Lisa and Telle wrote to Svea Svenson in Norrköping: “Jag mår bra. Här är vackert. Och vi plockar svamp. Men jag badar varje dag. Här bor vi. Hälsningar …”

Freely translated: I am well. It is beautiful here. And we are picking mushrooms and I go swimming every day. We are staying here (probably referring to the front of the postcard with a picture of the Waldfrieden guesthouse). Greetings …

Photos: Boy Collection, Lutz Grünke, Binzer Bucht Tourismus Collection

Text: Binzer Bucht Tourismus