Villa Bon Séjour

Villa Bon Séjour

Former names: Villa Bon Séjour, House of Crown Prince Wilhelm, House of the Goblet, House of Miramare, Palace Hotel

Today: Villa Strandblick

Architecture: In the book “Pomeranian resort architecture” by Wolfgang Schneider and Torsten Seegert, the house is described as follows: This solidly built building follows the pattern set by buildings such as the House of the Siren, Villa Baltic…: A nearly cubic main body is preceded by loggias on the sides and on the promenade-facing front. In its basic structure, this is a three-storey building, which is characterized by six axes on the promenade side. The two central axes project from the building front in the form of a risalit. The upper part is formed by an attic-like construction, which is supplemented by vase-shaped structures at the corners. … In addition, the attic design in the area of the risalites is open, creating a certain transparency in the construction. An open metal loggia arrangement is located in front of the building front.

Built: Around 1902/03

History/Owners until 1945: The Villa Bon Séjour (freely translated: Beautiful Residence or have a pleasant stay) was built around 1902/03 and had many different names over the course of its existence, probably due to changing owners. What always remained the same: the villa was a lodging house, usually connected to a gastronomic establishment.

On March 21, 1903, the owner, a Mr. Chr. Damp, had announced the completion of the shell in the RKA (Rügensches Kreis- und Anzeigenblatt). When the lodging house opened, he offered 20 rooms and a kitchen.

In 1909, the villa was described in detail in the Binz guide: Villa Bon Séjour directly on the beach, in close proximity to the cold and warm seaside resorts. The modern era accordingly well-furnished rooms with balconies. Electric light, water supply, sewerage. Season from early May to late October. Best recommendations. … Owner: C. Damp. Presumably in 1917, there was a name change. The house was called Kronprinz Wilhelm, with Chr. Damp still the owner.

From 1920, the owner changed. Paul Kelch ran the villa and immediately gave the building his name. The directory of apartments read: Villa Kelch, owner Kelch, 22 rooms, no kitchen, and in the advertisement it said, “Pastry shop and Café Haus Kelch”.

A few years later, the description was a bit more detailed:

First-class Pension Haus Kelch. Located directly on the beach, between the landing stage and the family beach. Own pastry shop and café. Concert and dance hall. All rooms with lake view. Recognized first-class catering. Owner: Paul Kelch (from the Binz guide “Praktische Winke” from 1924 and 1925).

In the 1930s, it became the Hotel Miramare, a first-class hotel with a restaurant, wine bar and café (owner: Max Böhm, 1935).

Shortly thereafter, the villa appeared as a palace hotel, with owner Herrmann Stamer. A 1937 advertisement also invited people to tea dances.

GDR era: During the GDR era, the villa housed, among other things, rental apartments and a restaurant. In the 1950s, it was initially the HO restaurant “Strandkasino”, later it became the HOG “Zum Goldbroiler”.

After 1990: The villa was renovated and equipped with holiday apartments. It was given the innocuous name “Strandblick”. In 2020, new metal railings were installed on the balconies and terraces of the villa. It is assumed – in keeping with times gone by.

Present use: holiday apartments

Worth knowing/anecdotes: In GDR times, the villa was home to the famous Goldbroiler bar, popular with young and old. And for entertainment, there were dances three times a week, a popular meeting place for holidaymakers.

Photo: Binz Bay Tourism Collection, Klaus Boy, Stephan Zobler, Lutz Grünke, private

Text: Klaus Boy, Binz Bay Tourism