Früher: Villa Keuschel

Former names: Villa Keuschel

Today: Pension Haus Colmsee

Architecture: Based on a square floor plan, the building is complemented by several additional distinctive elements at the corners. The façade facing the promenade is divided into three different areas, which divide the front into equal sections. The left corner of the building is characterized by a four-story corner tower. The right corner of the building is completed by a three-story solid construction, crowned by a masonry slab. The axial structure echoes the design elements of the left corner element.

Year of opening: 1902

History/owners until 1945: Even before construction began on his residential and commercial building in 1901, merchant Ludwig Keuschel from Bergen had advertised various sales activities in Binz in the Rügen district and advertising newspaper. In 1901, he submitted an application to build a residential and commercial building, which was approved by the Putbus County Office. When the building was completed in 1902, the Keuschel family moved to Binz. Hertha Colmsee and Emilie Gieseke acquired the building in 1920, had it renovated, and then reopened it as the “Hotel-Pension Colmsee.” The building had a pastry shop and a wine department. The restaurant was operated as “Mampes Gute Stube.” An advertisement from 1924 provided the following information: 15 rooms, 4 of which are heatable; telephone available, telephone number 341; garden, house chapel, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, porters at the train station and the landing stage.

GDR period: In 1953, the Colmsee family’s assets were confiscated as part of “Aktion Rose” (Operation Rose). The house became “public property” and was used as a rental property.

After 1990: In 1998, the house was renovated and converted. It reopened in 1999 as a guesthouse with 15 vacation rooms, run by the Colmsee family.

Current use: Family-run bed and breakfast

Interesting facts/anecdotes: “Take the Mampe and pour yourself a drink” was an advertising slogan for the liqueur “Mampes Halb und Halb.” “Mampes Gute Stube” opened on Kurfürstendamm in 1917. Restaurants in Frankfurt and Leipzig also operated under this name. They served to distribute the world-famous liqueur. It contains around 130 herbs with stomach-strengthening properties.

Photos: Colmsee family, Lutz Grünke, Binzer Bucht Tourismus collection, Binzer Bucht Tourismus/Christian Thiele