The Rügenkaten: A Family Project with Heart and History

An old house with a thatched roof, surrounded by a large tree and green grass, in a rural setting.
A dilapidated farmhouse with a thatched roof, partially collapsed, surrounded by grass and bushes, in the shade of trees.
A dilapidated, burning house in the countryside with graffiti on the walls, surrounded by grass and trees.
A scene of devastation at a house under construction that has been partially demolished, with exposed roof beams and debris in the yard.

There are places that captivate you the moment you arrive. Boldevitz is one such place. What is now known as an idyllic retreat for our guests began over 30 years ago as a family project.

The Origins of the Rügenkaten

The history of Boldevitz Manor dates back to the 13th century. It acquired its distinctive appearance, featuring a double volute gable, during the 17th and 18th centuries. The site gained international fame through the landscape painter Jakob Philipp Hackert, who created the first artistic depictions of Rügen’s natural scenery here. When the Wersebe family took over the property in 1993, they began a comprehensive and careful restoration of the entire estate to breathe new life into this historic site.

While the manor house was being restored, we also worked together on the historic farm buildings and cottages. A special milestone was the year 1998, when the Hasenkate, the first completed vacation home, was officially opened at Easter. That same year also saw the completion of the extensive renovation of the Blücherkate. Together with the Schulkate and the Koppelblick, these houses now form the heart of the Rügenkaten—unique retreats that preserve the charm of the old walls.

If you’re staying with us today, you’ll find private, black-and-white photographs in the houses from the restoration period between 1995 and 1998. These candid photos document the journey from ruin to the property’s current state. They show not only the progress of the construction work, but also the personal spirit of our collaboration. As a family-run business, we manage the Rügenkaten together and personally ensure that you feel completely at home in Boldevitz.

Two men are talking in front of a black car parked on a street with trees in the background. The car’s hood is covered with stacks of paper.