From dream to vision

From vision to idea

From idea to reality

The dreamLiving and working by the lake

The vision: Find a suitable option in the Lusatian Lake District

The realityLiesker Dorfstr. 3 in 03103 Neu-Seeland

I:

A native of Ulm, born in 1965, a technical business administrator in an industrial company near Stuttgart, moved to the beautiful Lusatian Lake District at the end of 2021.

Even on my first visit to Lusatia in 2015, I fell in love with the beautiful, quiet and flat Lusatian countryside.

Over the years, the idea matured – after a challenging working life – to spend a quieter life here in Lusatia, and it soon became clear that I would be living here in the near future.

I first became acquainted with a woman born in Altdöber, and she was quite enthusiastic at first. However, she gradually withdrew from the project and lost interest, including in me. The amount of work involved, the financial risk, and my focus on "our" vision led her to discontinue her cooperation and support. We parted ways in February 2023.

Two years – after extensive trips to Lusatia for house and property viewings, participation in public tenders for property allocation, project presentations with meticulously developed project concepts, exploring the region with its beautiful lakes, setbacks when properties were not awarded to me due to rigid municipal and village political decisions, and the surprising turn of events with the awarding of a contract for a property in Lieske after all – I was finally able to sign a notarized contract for a very nice, large property in November 2021. The best part – its immediate proximity to the lake. Close to the beach. Close to a sandy lake shore and so much peace and quiet... lakeside tranquility!

The vision:

Moving to the Lusatian Lake District. A small business (renting guest bungalows, holiday apartments, and campervan pitches) was meant to provide me with meaningful and interesting work until retirement and, ideally, for a long time afterward. Offering people a place to escape the everyday, a place to simply "be" – combined with the many opportunities the lake district has to offer – on the water, on the surrounding cycle paths, on the beach, exploring Berlin, Dresden, Cottbus, and the nearby Spreewald forest, relaxing on the terrace of the holiday apartment or bungalow, or sitting on the lawn in front of the campervan – for couples, singles, families with children of all ages, and even four-legged friends – that was the vision, perhaps even a dream of a new life: small and intimate – not a mass-market operation!

For myself, it means work, lots of work – in the end I hope for a quieter life than what I have known so far – living and working by the lake – and as relaxed and cheerful as possible.

The idea:

In autumn 2021, I found a property with a four-sided courtyard and a spacious open area. A large part of it is leased until 2027 – a strip of land along the property leads directly to the sandy beach that is currently being created there.

The house is 120 years old. Brick. Really showing its age. The roof is sound. The basic structure is good! The electrical wiring is up to date. Heating: a wood gasifier (I need a lot – a whole lot – of wood to keep it warm). The walls are good. They don't seem to be damp. But apart from the red, almost new kitchen, which takes some getting used to, there's very little that's new.

The outbuildings: old to very old. Plain brick walls – some with sandy floors. Old stables, one of which served as a large dovecote for the previous owner. Cows and pigs once lived here. There's a summer kitchen – which can be used quickly. The courtyard: paved – large and not visible from the outside. Overall potential: there is potential.

Ideas are taking shape – holiday apartments for 2-3 people, tiny houses & guest kitchen, sanitary facilities for guests – motorhome pitches at the end of the property near the lake…. Pictures become more colorful, outlines take shape and I imagine the current state to be beautiful.

The reality:

So in November 2021 I bought the farm and the rather large plot of land with its generous open space. Plenty of potential.

Since December 2021, I've been preparing for the renovation and have moved into the existing detached bungalow. Many things had to be done before I could move in. Renovating and remodeling, at least one room.

Moving to Lieske has radically changed my life. I've given up my job, and my family and friends are far away.

The work begins with the expansion of the bungalow and the tidying up of the property and the existing rooms.

Marketing efforts are launched, a logo is developed, and a website is designed.

The "journey" and the adventure for my love Molly and me begins.

Learn more about the development of "SeeNest Lieske".

Read more about the progress in the construction diaries...