Früher: Villa Johannashorst

Former names: Johannashorst

Today: Villa Sanssouci

Year opened: Around 1899

History/owners until 1945: In 1900, Müller’s guide to Rügen described the location as follows: “…road to the village of ‘Johannashorst’ – situated high up in the forest.” In the 1902 Binz housing directory, the villa “Johannashorst” was listed at Bahnhofstraße 29, with 20 rooms and 4 kitchens, owned by a Mr. Burwitz.

In the following years, the owners changed frequently: in 1911, a Mr. Bischoff (advertisement in the Binz guide), in 1920 a Mr. Georg Strobach, and in 1924 a Miss Lehmann. From 1925 onwards, the Johannashorst villa was called “Sanssouci,” and the owner was listed as Mrs. Dora Mary Henckel, née Lehmann (1926: 18 rooms and one kitchen). The Sanssouci house remained in the possession of the Henckel family until it was expropriated. Tourism advertisements highlighted its quiet location, view of Lake Schmachter, tasteful room furnishings, renowned cuisine, and foreign language entertainment.

GDR era: During the GDR era, the house was used as a retirement home, among other things.

After 1990: After 1990, the house was purchased by a group of investors who renovated it and then sold it again. Annerose Freiberg was the owner for a time and rented out vacation apartments. In 1997, the Ritzer family acquired the house and has since operated it as an apartment building. Markus Schwertel has been the new owner since 2018.

Current use: Privately run villa with vacation apartments

Interesting facts/anecdotes: The tourist advertisements for the house have remained largely unchanged over the years. One curious detail, however, is the information about the distance to the beach: in 1925, the advertisement states “… 5 minutes from the beach,“ followed by ”3 minutes“ in 1930, then ”4 minutes“ in 1933, and ”3 minutes” again from 1934 onwards.

Photos: Boy Collection, Lutz Grünke, Binzer Bucht Tourismus/Christian Thiele