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Engel & Völkers
Alexandrinen Cottage an der Ostsee

Explore the Past in the Future

Alexandrinen Cottage – An Interview with Elena Roth

Sometimes you enter a property that transports you to another era, whose surroundings feel like a journey through time and evoke a sense of freedom. This is exactly the experience you have when stepping onto the grounds of the Alexandrinen Cottage in Bad Doberan.

Situated in the heart of the Mecklenburg Baltic coast and famous for its pearl-like row of villas, known as “The White City by the Sea” and “The Pearl Necklace,” the harmonious ensemble of architecture and nature forms a truly legendary masterpiece.

At the western tip of the romantic park and directly on the cliff overlooking the sea, the Alexandrinen Cottage, built in 1841, enchants visitors arriving from the beach or the water. Its seamless integration into the landscape—nestled against the edge of the forest at the back, with panoramic views of the rugged sea at the front—creates the cottage’s unique magic. A jewel set in nature, offering a breathtaking view of the sea.

Alexandrinen Cottag in Heiligendamm

Today, we are here with Elena Roth, Executive Board Member at Engel & Völkers Berlin, Private Office Advisor, and Head of Rentals, discussing the past, present, and future of this gem.

Ms. Roth, where exactly are we right now?
We are at one of those picturesque places best described as “where the land meets the sea.” We are directly at Germany’s first seaside resort, surrounded by enchanting beech forests. Here, a certain southern charm meets the pleasant climatic influences of the north—just 25 km from Rostock, 171 km from Hamburg, and 250 km from Berlin—making it an ideal, centrally located escape by land and sea.

Elena Roth Engel & Völkers Berlin

Heiligendamm is considered an architectural and historical gem of the Baltic Sea region. How has the market developed here in recent years?

The Jagdfeld Group acquired the White City by the Sea in 1996 and developed the Grand Hotel Heiligendamm as well as the “Pearl Necklace,” renovating five of the seven villas. Interestingly, in recent years, properties in this micro-location have ranged from 100 to 600 m², with an average price of €25,000 per square meter.

Today, I am presenting a truly enchanting, one-of-a-kind property—12 meters above sea level at the westernmost point of the cliff: the Alexandrinen Cottage. I am thrilled that this property is finally coming to market after a long wait. The cottage offers an exclusive seaside residence, surrounded by a private 5-hectare landscaped park. It is unparalleled—a buyer who brings love and passion for detail to a meticulous, historically faithful full renovation will find a truly exceptional home.

Alexandrinen Cottage in Heiligendamm

How would you describe the architecture of this house? What architectural highlights can be found here?

The cottage was built in 1840 by Georg Adolph Demmler, the most renowned architect of his time, and expanded in 1911. Its historical influences remain palpable to this day. The design language is a fusion of classical experiences with elements of the Italian early Renaissance. The roof areas and shutters, designed during the GDR era, incorporate elements of Swiss-style architecture.

Following renovation, the cottage will offer 1,484 m² of living space across 18 potential rooms. A building permit for a spa—including a pool, cinema, and wine cellar—has already been approved, leaving only a buyer needed to carry out a historically sensitive renovation with meticulous attention to detail. The octagonal towers of the cottage offer individual design possibilities, such as a master suite or a tea room with panoramic sea views. The property spans 4,449 m², with an additional 50,000 m² of adjoining park and forestland.

50,000 m² of land—almost unimaginable for city dwellers. What other special features does the location offer?

In the immediate area, one can find elements of Victorian architecture, a castellated Gothic-style castle, and Tuscan-inspired country villas. The cottage is also located next to the Grand Hotel Heiligendamm, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, offering exclusive amenities. The award-winning organic farm Gut Vorderbollhagen provides regional organic products for home use and supplies top restaurants across Germany. Shops for daily necessities are only a few minutes away.

Alexandrinen Cottage in Heiligendamm am Rande der Ostsee

The property seems to have a long history—what story does it tell?

The cottage was named after Alexandrine of Prussia, daughter of Frederick William III of Prussia and Queen Louise. Her husband, Paul Friedrich, fulfilled her longing for the sea by commissioning Demmler in 1840 to build the cottage.

It is certainly a very romantic and energetically positive story that feels omnipresent when standing here, making the place truly special—almost magical. Due to the high salt content and aerosols in the air, Alexandrine outlived her husband by 50 years, living to the age of 89—an aspect that Heiligendamm as a seaside resort has preserved to this day.

What makes this property particularly special for you? Why would you personally move in here?

The past years have shown me how important proximity to nature and the sea truly is. A second home by the sea, surrounded by magical forests, represents the perfect retreat for me. The villa offers both seclusion and ideal proximity to local life and history—a place that can only truly be understood by being there.

I am fascinated by the contrast between the classic architecture and the remaining freedom for design, under the constraints of heritage protection, which preserves and honors the history of the location.

If I had to choose a single highlight of the house, it would be the potential development of a wellness area in the basement, including a swimming pool approximately 20 x 5 meters in size.

Contact us

Elena Roth Engel & Völkers

Elena Roth

Head of Rentals

Engel & Völkers Berlin