Villa Sophie

Villa Sophie

Ostseebad Binz
Hauptstraße 18

Former house names: Villa Sophie

Today: Villa Vesta

Year of construction: 1891

History/owner until 1945: Villa Sophie was built in 1891 and mentioned by name in the Rügen guide by Edwin Müller (published by Barthol and Co., 1898). It is not known for certain whether Mr. Lange built the villa.

In any case, in 1905, the owner, Mr. Lange, recommended 20 rooms and 2 kitchens (Binz-Führer, 1905). In 1908 and 1909, Dr. Freischmidt, a spa doctor and general practitioner from Charlottenburg, had an apartment in the Villa Sophie during the season. The name change must have taken place in the 1920s. In 1925, Robert Wienkoop offered the Villa Vesta as the owner. In 1926 and 1928 (from the Binz guide “Praktische Winke”), Rostocker Bank, the oldest banking institution in Mecklenburg (founded in 1850), was listed with a branch in the Villa Vesta. It offered the following: execution of all banking transactions, in particular acceptance and fee-free administration of the funds required for the stay at the seaside resort. Collection of checks, paying agent for letters of credit and credit letters. Conversion of foreign currencies. At the same time, the Villa Vesta was also a lodging house with rooms with and without board, run by Mrs. Wessel, whether as owner or manager – is not known. In 1935, Mrs. A. Prutz was named in the advertisement (Binz-Führer “Praktische Winke” from 1935): Villa Vesta. Solid, quiet house, very close to the beach center. Rooms with or without meals, some with running water, telephone 451, Mrs. A. Prutz Wilhelmstraße.

GDR era: During the GDR era, the Villa Vesta was home to a souvenir and gift shop, among other things.

After 1990: After 1990, extensive renovation work was carried out. Holiday apartments and shops were created.

Current use: Holiday apartments and shops, as well as a row of shops.

Interesting facts/anecdotes: The Vesta house was initially called Villa Sophie, perhaps the first name of the lady of the house. It can be assumed that the name of the villa also changed when ownership changed. Apparently, they decided on something harmless – the name of a goddess. Vesta was a goddess of ancient Italian, especially Roman, religion. She was the chaste guardian of the sacred fire (source: Wikipedia).

Photos: Binzer Bay Tourism Collection, Lutz Grünke, Binzer Bay Tourism/Christian Thiele

Text: Binzer Bay Tourism