Where the Last Swan Resides – Villa Schwanenhof on Schwanenwerder

Schwanenwerder: Where a family made history

Where once the bankers and politicians of the German Empire built their palatial private villas, US General Lucius D. Clay later planned the Berlin Airlift, and publishing magnate Axel Springer devised his newspaper headlines – Schwanenwerder has long been a place steeped in a layered and fascinating history. The origins of this story can be traced back to 1882, when the entrepreneur Friedrich Wilhelm Wessel acquired the island, then called Sandwerder. Absolutely captivated by nearby Peacock Island, where Emperor Frederick William II had built a summer palace for himself, Wessel dreamed of creating his own retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life. His sons, Hermann and Franz Wessel, carried that vision forward as owners of a building company, shaping the island into an exclusive haven dotted with magnificent summer villas in expansive garden grounds.

In 1901, Hermann Wessel had the villa built that is now known as the Schwanenhof. The two-storey residence, with its mansard hipped roof and French Renaissance-style flourishes, was named in honour of the island’s newly bestowed name – personally approved by Emperor Wilhelm II – and the graceful swan ornament that still adorns the wrought-iron gates. Next door, his brother Franz built a second grand villa, which was demolished in the 1960s. Today, the Schwanenhof is the last surviving building from the founding era of Schwanenwerder. The villa has never been reduced to a mere relic however. It has remained a vibrant and ever-evolving home. The stone gates with the inscription “Schwanenhof“ open onto an estate where history and modern comfort co-exist in seamless harmony.

The special features are in the details

A polygonal southwest-facing wing opens out to a terrace overlooking the garden, while an octagonal tower topped with an onion dome adds a touch of fairytale charm. A second terrace with a gazebo completes the ensemble. Stucco embellishments grace the façade, while inside, there are 14 rooms spanning four floors, each with high ceilings that invite the sunlight to flow throughout the house. The historic location of the property plays with contrasts, embraces the unusual, and is full of surprising details.

In the orangery, walls hand-painted with lush jungle scenes come alive with whimsical details: a monkey swings overhead and a giraffe peers in curiously from the garden. A hidden library evokes the magic of Hogwarts, while an elegant salon comes complete with a billiard table. The kitchen, fitted with a gas stove, forms the heart of the house, while an antique marble fireplace and a traditional tiled stove offer both warmth and cozy charm. Outside, the garden provides seclusion and serenity, shaded by mature trees that tell tales of bygone eras. Alongside the pool lies an exclusive patch of land under a lease agreement, featuring exclusive access to the Wannsee lake, complete with a bathing platform.

Tranquility meets urban proximity

With its unique location, Schwanenwerder feels like a world unto itself, nestled in nature, surrounded by water and yet very close to central Berlin. Nearby lie Peacock Island, sailing clubs, a golf course and a long-distance train station – all within reach, yet unobtrusive.

The Schwanenhof is more than just a building. It is a place that tells a story – of visions, enduring beauty and family history. To enter this villa is not just to step inside a house, but to become part of a tale that is far from over.