Pack your yoga mat and essential oils, because something big is happening on Potsdam’s shores. Just under a year ago, the gavel fell at the Potsdam District Court for the historic Siemens Villa on Lake Lehnitz. Berlin entrepreneur Stefan Peter secured the vacant, 100,000-square-meter historic estate for 13.75 million euros. The entrepreneur has many plans for the 80-room building. Where industrial magnates once resided, a center for meditation, music, and retreats is set to be created.
A single bid saves Potsdam’s famous Siemens Villa
It’s not every day—even in the Berlin region—that a castle complex with over 6,000 square meters of usable space is snapped up for half the price. The official market value was 27.5 million euros. At the auction, exactly one bidder stepped forward in the end—and the creditor bank finally gave the green light, albeit grudgingly. Still, it’s not exactly a bargain. According to initial estimates, the upcoming complete renovation is expected to cost another 30 million euros. Historic details such as marble fireplaces and stucco ceilings are to be preserved, which will particularly please historic preservationists.
High-tech from 1910 meets a turbulent history
Architect Otto March built the country estate in 1910 for Carl Friedrich von Siemens, the youngest son of electrical pioneer Werner von Siemens. At the time, the villa was the epitome of luxury: a retractable glass facade opening onto the lakeside terrace and a central vacuum system were considered technical marvels. After 1945, the Soviet Army confiscated the house and turned it into a military hospital; from 1952 on, it served as a sanatorium for lung patients, and later a private school moved in. Most recently, the estate stood abandoned for years, while earlier attempts at renovation came to nothing.
From Haunted House to Retreat: The Current Status
The plan to complete the main house by May 2026 was ambitiously timed. Work continues on the sprawling waterfront grounds, with efforts underway to gradually transform the historic landmark into a place for mindfulness, sound art, and seminars. It remains to be seen exactly when the official opening of the Siemens Villa can be expected. The entrepreneur brings experience to the table: as early as 2010–2011, he acquired the Correns Mansion, restored it, and subsequently housed the private BSP Business & Law School and the MSB Medical School Berlin there. In addition, the concert hall on the premises continues to be used for musical events and sound recordings.
By car, you can reach the estate from central Berlin in about 45 minutes via the B2 toward Potsdam-Neu Fahrland. By public transit, take the S7 or RE1 to Potsdam Central Station and from there take bus 609 or 638 directly to the Heinrich-Heine-Ufer stop.
📍 Location: Villa Heinenhof (Siemens Villa), Am Lehnitzsee, 14469 Potsdam (Neu Fahrland)
📆 Date and Time: Currently in the renovation phase; public cultural and seminar events will follow as construction progresses
⏳ Duration: Walk along the lake shore, approx. 1–2 hours
💵 Cost: Exterior view from the riverside path is free; event and workshop fees are yet to be determined
