Früher: Villa Sophie

Previous names: Villa Sophie

Today: Villa Vesta

Year built: 1891

History/owners until 1945: Villa Sophie was built in 1891 and mentioned by name in Edwin Müller’s Rügen guidebook (published by Barthol und Co., 1898). There is no evidence that Mr. Lange built the villa.

In any case, owner Lange recommended 20 rooms and 2 kitchens in 1905 (Binz Guide, 1905). The spa doctor Freischmidt, a general practitioner from Charlottenburg, had an apartment in Villa Sophie during the season in 1908 and 1909. The name change must have taken place in the 1920s. In 1925, Robert Wienkoop offered Villa Vesta for sale. In 1926 and 1928 (from the Binz guide “Praktische Winke”), the Rostock Bank, the oldest banking institution in Mecklenburg (founded in 1850), was listed with a branch in Villa Vesta. It offered the following services: All banking transactions, in particular the acceptance and fee-free management of funds required for the seaside holiday. Collection of checks, paying agent for letters of credit and credit letters. Exchange of foreign currencies. At the same time, Villa Vesta was also a guesthouse with rooms with and without meals, run by Mrs. Wessel, whether as owner or manager is not known. In 1935, Mrs. A. Prutz was named in an advertisement (Binz guide “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, Villa Vesta housed a souvenir and gift shop, among other things.

After 1990: Extensive renovation work was carried out after 1990. Holiday homes and apartments as well as shops were created.

Current use: Vacation homes and apartments, as well as a row of shops

Interesting facts/anecdotes: The Vesta house was originally called Villa Sophie, perhaps the first name of the lady of the house. It can be assumed that the name of the villa changed when it changed hands. Apparently, a harmless name was chosen – the name of a goddess. Vesta was a goddess in ancient Italian religion, particularly in Roman religion. She was the chaste guardian of the sacred fire (source: Wikipedia).

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

Text: Binzer Bucht Tourismus