An elegant orange-coloured mansion with a domed tower, ornate windows, a statue on the roof and a lush garden on the riverbank; a bridge can be seen in the distance in the background.
The Villa Berlin

Jewel on the Havel

  • Issue

    04/24

  • Location

    Berlin, Germany

  • Photography

    E&V

Eminence and glamour abound throughout this residence next to the famous Glienicke Bridge. The Villa – Berlin is a fine example of both classicism and opulence.

An elegant, sun-drenched drawing room with ornate mouldings, a large wrought-iron chandelier, arched windows and wicker chairs; chequered floor.
The open double doors let bright sunshine into the house.

A villa straight out of "The Great Gatsby"

The double doors open as if by magic, sunlight flooding into the room and glistening off the parquet floor, polished to a high gloss. Your gaze is drawn by the ceiling, adorned with intricate stucco decoration. The generous entry hall is filled with a sense that the footsteps of former visitors to this place still echo here. It all feels like a dream. Like a journey back in time to the Berlin of the 1920s, golden, exhilarating and filled with glamour.

Inaugurated in the year the world-famous novel “The Great Gatsby” was published, the villa looks like a real-life version of the literary model. This magnificent and lavishly finished residence could have been plucked straight from the pages of the book.

An elegant dining room with violet-patterned damask walls, arched windows, dark wood panelling and a golden star-shaped chandelier hanging above a long table with yellow chairs.
The villa was inaugurated with a lavish party in 1924, like a scene straight out of “The Great Gatsby”.

A masterpiece of architecture: where history, nature, and culture converge

The completion of the villa gave Berlin a new centre for sophisticated high society. It stands resplendently like a palace on a raised plot above the banks of the River Havel, in the parkland surroundings that make Berlin the greenest capital in Europe. En-closed by centuries-old trees growing on terrain steeped in history, the estate is a luxurious retreat in the midst of nature. Yet at the same time it still enjoys the perks of having Berlin’s cultural and political life practically on the doorstep. Every room and every part of the garden affords a new perspective on the surrounding scenery. The large, arched windows frame the view out onto no less than three extremely notable sights. Babelsberg Palace, Klein Glienicke Palace and Glienicke Hunting Lodge appear just like in old master paintings.

An elegant mansion with a slate roof situated by a tranquil lake, with a geometric maze of green hedges in the foreground and lush trees lining the shore.
The villa is situated in a beautiful location amidst nature, surrounded by historic castles.

The Glienicke Bridge is located directly next to the driveway to the villa. This historic structure connects Berlin and Potsdam, and until 1989 the state border between East and West Germany ran straight through the middle of it. The villa itself has long been part of German history too. It is listed for its historic significance and forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Palaces and Parks of Berlin and Potsdam. The building was designed by the architects Carl Mohr and Paul Weidner for the Kampffmeyer family, who had been mill operators ever since the Middle Ages. At the start of the 20th century, Kurt Kampffmeyer had risen to become the largest mill operator in the whole of Germany. The traditional brands “Aurora”, “Gloria” and “Diamant” all still exist to this day.

Inspired by history: the artful restoration of grandeur

The spatial aesthetics of the villa are a playful take on the great era of Prussian history, with an interior layout that forms a harmonious, unified whole. The exuberant and opulent design was turned into a reality by the most talented craftsmen of the era.

An elegant vintage room featuring ornate wood panelling, yellow damask walls, a large arched window, a crystal chandelier and gold curtains.
The villa shines once again in the splendour of the age it was originally built in.


In recent years, the residence has undergone extensive renovation work, thanks to the initiative of the current owner, under the direction of the renowned Kahlfeldt architecture practice. Under the strict watchful eyes of the heritage office, stucco decoration has been restored, carvings added and silk wall coverings rewoven. Though hidden from view, the building has also been brought up to the latest technical standards.

The sophisticated colour scheme brings out the uniqueness of each and every room. Every hallway and every room has an atmosphere and style all of its own. Custom-made, classic curtains and the restoration of various antique pieces of furniture and design classics complete the rich interior furnishings. Modern furniture pieces set accents within the historic rooms and are also custom-made.

A green paradise near Berlin

Just a 20-minute drive from Berlin’s City West borough, the villa’s expansive, park-like garden is a special place offering unparalleled retreat; an oasis of calm and serenity that continues under the vast sky of the surrounding scenery. Tucked-away terraces, protected by hedges, contrast with expansive lawns and provide ample space for peaceful, private moments and lavish parties alike.

A beige two-storey villa with green shutters and a columned entrance, set amongst formal boxwood hedges and tall trees beneath a blue sky.
The villa is located close to the city in a green oasis.
A dark wooden staircase with ornate banisters against panelled walls; on a round table stands a vase of pink and white flowers, along with some magazines.
A house perfectly designed for making a grand entrance. Its long heritage can be felt in every nook and cranny.

Luxury living in Berlin, Germany

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Smiling young woman with short blonde hair and hoop earrings, standing outdoors in front of a stone building with ornate architectural details.

Merle Wilkening

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As a Senior Editor at GG Magazine, Merle Wilkening writes about the people, places, and ideas that shape our world. She is most in her element interviewing personalities who speak about their passions with genuine enthusiasm. Driven by curiosity, her travels regularly take her toward the sun in search of unique encounters and the stories behind the world’s most captivating destinations. Her culinary pursuits range from local neighborhood gems to Michelin-starred dining.

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