If your idea of a relaxing vacation is a beautiful fully-furnished apartment located in a countryside of rolling green hills and waving fields of wheat and corn, then the Birnbaumhof in Schwedelbach, Germany is the place for you.
My wife and I spent a wonderful month at Birnbaumhof and cannot say enough about our experience in this very home-like atmosphere.
Octavia and Hermann Fetzer-Knaps, the owners, treat you like family.
Our apartment was superb! It overlooked a large field where children could run and play...bordered by a forest with hills in the distance.
You can start your day with a typical German farmer's breakfast of cheese, meats, breads, yogurts, cereals, eggs, juices, coffee and tea and "specials" that Octavia might have on hand for the day. You might not have to eat again until evening! Outstanding!
The layout of the Birnbaumhof surrounds a lovely courtyard with a pear tree in the center. The courtyard is the perfect place to end each day with friends...playing cards...watching the children play...or just sitting in the sunset with a cool drink in hand.
Birnbaumhof is example of a place where you get more than your money's-worth of comfort, service, and atmosphere.
The housekeeping staff is excellent. Two times a week (or more) they'll keep your room or apartment sparkling and clean.
What about groceries? Schwedelbach is just minutes from nearby towns where you will find grand markets and restaurants featuring all cusines...at very reasonable prices. And you will also find large swimming pools with water slides and everything you or your children would need for a great day of fun in the sun.
But, if you don't want to leave town...there are a couple very nice Gasthaus restaurants within walking distance of Birnbaumhof.
If German is not your first language, you will find that Octavia speaks English quite well. However, be cautioned that if Octavia finds you can speak some German she will encourage you to use it...correcting your mistakes in a friendly, positive manner. My German speaking ability increased greatly during a month of speaking with Octavia. She's a great teacher.
Other positives about Birnbaumhof? Parking. WiFi-wireless in your room/apartment. Satellite television. Radio. DVDs. Fully-equipped kitchens. Breakfast. They even have a washer and dryer for your use...instructions in English..and more.
We will stay at Birnbaumhof again.