Surrounded by unspoilt forests, small rivers and typical heathland, the Stimbekhof is located in the heart of the Lüneburg Heath. The traditional thatched-roof ensemble from 1920 with its 27 individually designed rooms and suites in country house style is not a classic hotel, but a special place of recreation in a historic courtyard ambience.
Young trio creates and lives a charming concept
‘It was a magical moment when we visited Stimbekhof for the first time,’ says Björn Bohlen - representing the management team together with Jovitha James and Sabrina Walterscheidt. It was in the summer of 2020 when the three left their good jobs in the Hamburg hotel industry behind and swapped them for self-employment in the countryside - initially as tenants. The young entrepreneurs are now the owners of the historic farm and hosts with all their hearts.
With great attention to detail, they have turned the farm into an enchanting gem. All rooms are furnished in a modern, stylish country house style, yet each accommodation unit has its own character and is individually designed. For example, the cosy rocking chair and the large dining table with its pretty flower arrangement catch the eye in the two-storey country house suite. The free-standing bathtub on the first floor is also a real eye-catcher.
Natural, open beams and mullioned windows can be found everywhere and contribute to the cosy ambience alongside the discreetly creaking floorboards. Four-legged friends are expressly welcome at Stimbekhof and are happily welcomed by the two farm dogs Henri & Louis, who prove to be perfect ‘hosts’.
Reduction and regionality as the guiding principle of the cuisine
The Stimbekhof and the operating team encourage guests to take a step back and find inner peace, both through its location in the beautiful natural surroundings and through special relaxation offers. For example, the concept of the destination does not include overly lavish decorations or an abundance of media offerings. However, this deliberate reduction is not perceived as a renunciation, but is intended to promote reflection on individual, special things.
The principle of ‘less, but good’ is also reflected in the culinary offering. As a result, guests do not have to expect a large menu and set menu, but instead selected delicacies with predominantly regional (organic) ingredients.
In the morning, a delicious country house breakfast is served in the courtyard café or on one of the two sun terraces - here, the team avoids packaging and excess, instead most dishes are topped up as required and freshly prepared à la minute. All coffee specialities from ‘Der Heideröster’ are served with oat milk on request. Sabrina's apple and spelt waffles are now well known as a delicious snack between meals.
From the end of October to March, the Heath Tea Time is celebrated, a classic afternoon tea, but with a regional twist. The etagere offers savoury snacks - for example sandwiches with Heidschnucken ham or trout - as well as sweets such as scones with mulberries. Served with organic tea or a glass of sparkling wine.
Every evening, a freshly prepared regional and seasonal dish from the farm kitchen is served. On Fridays, there is a rustic snack with all kinds of delicacies from the region. A warming, changing, vegan soup or a tasty Heidschnucken curry sausage from the Hermann-Meyer country butcher's shop with its own sauce recipe is also offered every evening except Sundays. A sweet homemade temptation rounds off the evening.
In the summer months, weather permitting, there is also a cosy barbecue evening in front of the Schnuckenstall. On Sundays, the hosts prepare a small buffet with delicious country bread baked in the traditional way by the regional wood-fired oven baker, organic cheese, homemade dips and spreads, as well as crispy Heidschnucken bites and a warming soup.
Whether heather honey, coffee from the Heideröster or wildflower herbs from the Waldkräuterey Tausendgrün - a selection of regional products can also be purchased as souvenirs in the small farm shop.
Contemplation and experiencing nature are topics of the heart
... of the entire team at Stimbekhof in Oberhaverbeck. The concept of the hotel is based on the maxim that people who leave the stress of everyday life behind them and find peace and quiet can then turn their attention back to nature outside and appreciate its beauty all the more consciously. Hikes to the highest elevation in the Lüneburg Heath, the nearby Wilseder Berg, or around the Tumberg are recommended for exploring it. Both offer a wide view of the heathland, which unfolds its special charm in every season - not just during the colourful heather blossom in summer. There are also sections of the Heidschnuckenweg or Jacobusweg trails that lead past the Stimbekhof. Sunrise and sunset tours with the team of renowned animal and nature photographer Michael Poliza are a special experience.
Those who prefer to set off through the countryside by bike and use the built-in tailwind can hire high-quality e-bikes at the farm - with the team's recommendations for excursions ‘in their luggage’. Carriage rides through the nature reserve start within walking distance in the village centre of Overhaverbeck. And if you don't feel like going on an excursion, you can relax in one of the many oases of peace on the 30,000 square metre site and let nature take its effect on you.
Contemplative moments can also be experienced during a warming session in the Finnish sauna. The special infusion mix of peppermint, camomile, rosemary, spruce, elder, lemon balm, laurel and other valuable ingredients has been specially compiled by the ‘Tausendgrün’ forest herb farm in Munster. The herbal mixture stimulates the circulation, cleanses the skin and supports the body's detoxification function. The recipe is also used as a bath additive, in fragrance lamps or for inhalation. The sauna, designed for a maximum of 4-5 people, can be heated at any time on request.
Sarah, a wellness and massage therapist and certified yoga instructor, provides additional relaxation for mind and body. She comes to the farm, subject to availability and by prior arrangement, and pampers you with a massage using only natural aromatic oils. If requested in advance, you can also put together your own aroma massage oil. Or she can practice a customised yoga workshop. Retreats with external yoga teachers and in groups are also organised almost every weekend. Outdoors, in the treatment room or in the former Schnucken stable.
And then there is a very exclusive ‘room’ in the open air. Guests can enjoy the comfort of a bed, running water, light and a real wood-burning stove - but in a luxuriously spacious tent on the edge of the field.
Sustainability as a matter of course
The fact that the Stimbekhof was recently awarded the recognised Greensign Eco certificate (Level 4) is only logical given the explicit sustainability standards of the managing director trio and their entire team.
All Stimbekhof employees drive company e-cars, which are also used for the shuttle service to and from the railway station. Guests arriving in electric cars can charge them either at the fast-charging park at the Bispingen motorway exit or at Stimbekhof.
Text: Peter Grett
Pictures: Stimbekhof