The Building

       Blücherhaus: 470 years old stone mansion, still in service as condominium apartment house. Closely linked to the history of the spa and rose town of Bad Langensalza (near Hainich National Park) in the beautiful state of Thuringia, central Germany. Blücherhaus is state-recognised as a cultural monument since 1979.

       Built from 1555 during the reign of Emperor Charles V, in whose empire ‘the sun never set’. Builder-owner was Christoph Schütz, a high-ranking civil servant. While studying at the university of Wittenberg, he had taken classes with church reformer Martin Luther.

       During the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), the house was property and retreat of long-term mayor Johann Preger. In the Rococo period (early XVIIIth century), it became residence of philanthropist/patron Christine-Hélène Pause. In 1774 Graeser's silk tailoring and cloth manufactory was established here and stayed until after Hitler's war. The Graeser dynasty shaped Langensalza as a centre of textile production of nationwide importance.

       Two half-timbered side wings were added by Graeser in the early XIXth century. Census data from December 1945 indicate nine families living here. After profound modernisation between 1998 and 2000 there are now 22 suites/apartments, thereof 1 shop.

       Location in the south-eastern part of the picturesque old town of Bad Langensalza, right next to the well-kept spa gardens. The lively weekly market, supermarkets, specialist shops, schools, the public library, modern sports facilities, the town hall, everyday service providers and good medical care including a hospital - everything is within easy walking distance and thus allows an automobile-free life.

       At 1 kilometre walking distance a well-connected three-way railway station. Within 35 minutes one can reach to the Thuringian capital Erfurt. Five international airports within a 3-hour train journey: Berlin, Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Hanover, and Leipzig.

       This combination of a picturesque small town with a high feel-good factor and excellent rail connections is a hard find elsewhere.

Ownership and Residents

       Private condominium: each flat belongs to a different owner. The highest decision-making body for matters relating to the building is the owners' assembly in accordance with the German Condominium Act.

       The residents of the building are made up of co-owners and tenants.