Previous names: The name “Villa Helene” has been retained since the hotel opened.

Architecture: In the book “Pommersche Bäderarchitektur” (Pomeranian Spa Architecture) by Wolfgang Schneider & Torsten Seegert, the hotel is described as follows: This three-story solid construction originally formed the northern end of the historic buildings on the Binz beach promenade. The promenade side can be divided into three main groups, with the central risalit protruding from the building line with a trapezoidal floor plan framed by two loggias arranged at right angles. …

Year of construction: Around 1903

History/owners until 1945: The villa was run as a guest house for many years under the same owner. In the 1905 Binz guidebook, Mrs. Clara Dieckmann recommended Villa Helene with its 18 rooms and 2 kitchens. At that time, it was the last house on the beach promenade. It was not until 1913 that the sea rescue station (today’s “boathouse”) was built next door. Mrs. Dieckmann offered spa guests and tourists, preferably ladies and families, a friendly welcome.

In 1925, the advertisement in the travel guide “Praktische Winke – Ostseebad Binz auf Rügen” (Practical Tips – Baltic Sea Resort Binz on Rügen) read: Villa Helene. Beach guesthouse and lodging house located directly by the sea, in the immediate vicinity of the forest, beautiful location with unobstructed views. Under the same management for 20 years, known for its careful cuisine. Communal dining room with table and individual tables. Mrs. Frieda Stahnke, née Dieckmann.

It can be assumed that Frieda Stahnke was the daughter or sister of the owner. In any case, the villa remained in family ownership.

The long-standing management was often highlighted in various travel guides.

For example, in the Grieben travel guide “Rügen” from 1935: … Guesthouses and lodgings … Strandpromenade 48 Pens. Helene (under the same management since 1903, Mrs. Frieda Stahnke).

GDR era: During the GDR era, it was used as a residential building, among other things.

In the course of the wave of renovations in the 1950s and 1960s, the appearance of the building changed significantly: the loggias were completely closed off, sacrificing the trapezoidal shape of the central risalit. The clear window front now only hints at the original axial structure. The decorative elements on the gables did not survive the renovation, nor did the distinctive plaster structures on the sides of the building. (from the book “Pommersche Bäderarchitektur” by Wolfgang Schneider & Torsten Seegert).

After 1990: After 1990, the villa was rebuilt in the spa style.

Current use: Vacation homes and apartments as well as a restaurant

Photos: Binzer Bucht Tourismus collection, Lutz Grünke

Text: Binzer Bucht Tourismus