Branki · 1901 Livonian homestead by a wild beach

Stūrīši & Branki is our family's Livonian homestead in Mazirbe, on the Livonian Coast, with four houses to choose between. Ours were built in 1901 and the early 1900s, and we have hosted guests here since 2007, when German travellers walked into our yard and announced they would stay the night. We couldn't send them away.

No WiFi, no traffic and not much to do - which is the point. The wild beach is a 10-minute walk through the forest, and our chef Igors, with over 25 years in the kitchen, cooks breakfasts big enough to last until lunch.

THE HOUSE:

You have the entire 2nd floor of our 1901 household, with your own entrance up an outside staircase. At the top, a small balcony with rocking chairs looks over the garden and fields.

The two rooms connect, so the floor suits families and friends who are happy to share: a studio room with a king-size bed screened off by a bookcase, a couch, chairs, and a table with kettle and toaster; and a second room with two single beds and a double bed, all on antique frames, plus a dressing table and a table for eating or working. We have changed very little here, so you can see the original Livonian roof in all its wonder.

The kitchenette has 2 hobs, sink, fridge and everything you need to cook; a shower and toilet.

Dried tea, herbs and flowers hang from the ceiling and fill the wall nooks, partly for our kitchen and mostly for the smell. If a leaf falls or a stem breaks, don't worry. It's there for you to enjoy.

The floor sleeps 8 guests. We have a crib. Coming as a bigger group? Message us before you book.

Food. Order breakfast (€17 per person per day) and Igors, our family chef with over 25 years in the kitchen, will cook it. Our breakfasts are famous for being massive: most guests keep the leftovers for lunch. Tell us about your diet and we will cook for almost any. We buy from local farmers (meat, dairy, vegetables, berries, mushrooms, sklandrausis) and, when the sea allows, smoked fish from our village fishermen. When the farmers bring something good or the chef is inspired, a side dish for your dinner often appears too.

On days when we host groups coming for Livonian history and food, you can join them for lunch or dinner. Just ask.

The village store, the only one within 20 km, is 2 minutes away and well stocked.

The beach. The sea is 5-15 minutes on foot. The shortest path is the busiest on summer weekends. The longer ones through the forest lead to a beach you will often have to yourselves. Please bring your own beach towels.

Guest access

You have your own key and entrance, and the garden and fields are yours to wander. Someone from the family is always on the grounds. Ask us to show you Museum "Stūrīši" next door, our 1888 homestead, where you are allowed to touch the history.

Interaction with guests

Gunta and Igors speak Latvian and Russian, and have mastered the art of hand gestures and keywords in German and English. For anything that needs more words, the family member who runs this account speaks English, Latvian and Russian and is there for you throughout your stay. We are around when you need us and out of the way when you don't.

Other details to note
Mazirbe is a true getaway from the world. Please read this before you book:
Water. We are by the sea, inside Slītere National Park, and draw water from our own 8 m well. Showers can't run endlessly, and now and then we switch the water off for about 3 hours to let the well refill.
No WiFi. The house has no internet, and neither does the village. Phone reception has to be earned: find your spot or the right operator and it's fast. We will show you where.
Cash. The nearest ATM is in Dundaga (20 km) or Ventspils (70 km). The village store and café take cards; for everything else, bring cash.
Price is per person per night. Please book for the right number of guests. Children under 5 stay free; ages 5-14 pay €15 a night, and we adjust this before confirming.
Special diets. If one needs extra shopping or preparation, we may add a €5 surcharge and tell you in advance.
Sauna. A traditional wood-fired sauna (hot stones and steam) for stays of 3+ nights: €150. It takes a whole day to heat, so tell us early.
Season. We are open from June to mid-September, depending on the weather.
No smoking indoors. Smokers are welcome to use our marked spots outside, where there is an ashtray. We live inside a national park, so we manage fire very carefully.
Getting here. A direct bus from Riga stops in the village centre, 2 minutes from us.
Please be gentle. These houses have come through wars, the Soviet years and the deportations, and everything in them matters to our family.

EXTRAS:
If we have free spaces, we are happy to take on guests who wish to stay for 1-2 nights. The price per night will be +30% more per person than detailed in the booking system.

The family of "Branki" also provides excursions, guided tours and information about the local points of interest. If ordered in advance, large groups can have a meal here - up to 160 people in the summer.

QUESTIONS?
Don't worry if you are not clear on something - we are happy to liaise with you before confirming the reservation to ensure your stay is worry-free! :)