Houzz Tour: The Romance of Living on - for Bridge Saunter through the historic Merchants Merchants Bridge - or Krämerbrücke - in Erfurt, central Germany, and you will feel as if you have -travelled time back in the Middle Ages. Thirty-two brightly painted, half-timbered houses line both sides of a street which is only 18ft (5.5m) wide. You do not even notice that you are standing on a bridge. But this bridge is special: it is the longest in Europe, with buildings on both sides which were constantly busy. First mentioned in 1156, Merchant's Bridge is now the symbol of the capital of Thuringia.
One of these small historic houses is home to Gabriele Leuschner woodcarver. It is a small space - the house is less than 15ft (4.5m) wide and only staircase occupies about a quarter of the floor space. "We live kind of the stairs," says Leuschner. She takes it in his stride, though, because life here has always been his dream.
One of these small historic houses is home to Gabriele Leuschner woodcarver. It is a small space - the house is less than 15ft (4.5m) wide and only staircase occupies about a quarter of the floor space. "We live kind of the stairs," says Leuschner. She takes it in his stride, though, because life here has always been his dream.
Kate Jordan Photo
Kate Jordan photo
Houzz at a glance
Who lives here Gabriele Leuschner, 71, a woodcarver (in days past, she lived here with her late husband, Joachim, daughter, son and well known the gateway resident cat, Franz)
property a house named Zum schwarzen eisernen Hut und Rad ( for Hard Hat and black wheel); 926 square feet (86 square meters) on three floors, plus a shop selling wooden toys on the ground floor
Location On the Krämerbrücke (Merchant's Bridge) covering a branch of Gera River, first mentioned in 1156 and built in 1472, in Erfurt in the state of Thuringia, Germany
Photographs of Kate Jordan
Who lives here Gabriele Leuschner, 71, a woodcarver (in days past, she lived here with her late husband, Joachim, daughter, son and well known the gateway resident cat, Franz)
property a house named Zum schwarzen eisernen Hut und Rad ( for Hard Hat and black wheel); 926 square feet (86 square meters) on three floors, plus a shop selling wooden toys on the ground floor
Location On the Krämerbrücke (Merchant's Bridge) covering a branch of Gera River, first mentioned in 1156 and built in 1472, in Erfurt in the state of Thuringia, Germany
Photographs of Kate Jordan
Kate Jordan photo
13th to 18th centuries, bridges lined with houses were common: the big bridge (now the Pont au Change) in Paris was one of them, and the old London Bridge. Yet only a few of these bridges have survived. Among the most impressive - besides the Ponte Vecchio in Florence and Pulteney Bridge in Bath - is the Pont des Marchands at Erfurt.
Bridges like this were often constructed as part of the trade routes, and it is the case in Erfurt: Via Regia - a major east-west trade route - led the early Middle Ages in the middle of this city in Thuringia. On the way, the little river Gera had to be traversed via a ford. To facilitate the transition, a wooden bridge was built in 1156 which was replaced after several fires with a stone bridge in 1325.
The ability to sell goods right on these bridges appeared soon. "Privileged Merchants Bridge merchants guild operated a profitable trade value of goods imported, such as precious herbs, jewelry and scarves, crammed into these varieties of shops - they were even called" the goods piled up ' . "says Kristin Luther from Erfurt Tourist office
the cabins of the first entrepreneurs have evolved later in the stone houses: after a great fire in the city in 1472, the bridge Merchant was rebuilt, wider and higher. storekeepers were then able to live just above their stores.
Bridges like this were often constructed as part of the trade routes, and it is the case in Erfurt: Via Regia - a major east-west trade route - led the early Middle Ages in the middle of this city in Thuringia. On the way, the little river Gera had to be traversed via a ford. To facilitate the transition, a wooden bridge was built in 1156 which was replaced after several fires with a stone bridge in 1325.
The ability to sell goods right on these bridges appeared soon. "Privileged Merchants Bridge merchants guild operated a profitable trade value of goods imported, such as precious herbs, jewelry and scarves, crammed into these varieties of shops - they were even called" the goods piled up ' . "says Kristin Luther from Erfurt Tourist office
the cabins of the first entrepreneurs have evolved later in the stone houses: after a great fire in the city in 1472, the bridge Merchant was rebuilt, wider and higher. storekeepers were then able to live just above their stores.
in this 1895 drawing, you can clearly see the ingenious construction of the bridge. a special feature is that the wineries are located within the bridge piers.
This drawing shows the state of the structure around 1870.
"the houses of three storeys on the deck of the Merchants were built in the form of long-timbered houses row, both on each side of the bridge. Through the walls, they were then subdivided into individual houses 8.5 feet wide, "says Christian Misch of the State Office of Thuringia for the conservation of historic monuments and archeology. He is responsible for the registration and inventory of historical monuments in the city of Erfurt.
The need for a form of daily life on the deck of the space. That's why the 62 original houses were eventually consolidated into 32. "As the houses were then reconstructed individually, they all look like individual homes today," says Misch.
"the houses of three storeys on the deck of the Merchants were built in the form of long-timbered houses row, both on each side of the bridge. Through the walls, they were then subdivided into individual houses 8.5 feet wide, "says Christian Misch of the State Office of Thuringia for the conservation of historic monuments and archeology. He is responsible for the registration and inventory of historical monuments in the city of Erfurt.
The need for a form of daily life on the deck of the space. That's why the 62 original houses were eventually consolidated into 32. "As the houses were then reconstructed individually, they all look like individual homes today," says Misch.
The bridge in 1938.
fires and bombings during the second World war destroyed parts of the bridge. some houses had to be rebuilt after the war at one point, there was a chapel at each end of bridge; today, only St Giles Church, whose tower can be seen in this photo, rest If you enter the bridge of the eastern end of merchants, you walk through the arcade turn
.. fires and bombings during the second World war destroyed parts of the bridge. some houses had to be rebuilt after the war at one point, there was a chapel at each end of bridge; today, only St Giles Church, whose tower can be seen in this photo, rest If you enter the bridge of the eastern end of merchants, you walk through the arcade turn
The bridge today, always lively.
Despite attacks over the centuries, the mix of housing and trade persisted. The Foundation Bridge 'Merchants founded in 1996, allocates stores according to strict criteria in order to maintain a particular charm of the bridge. The standards require a mix of industrial sectors defined as arts and crafts, antiques, and spices from abroad and specialties of the region.
"It is also important, there is no chain stores and absolutely only sole proprietors," said Wolfgang Zweigler, head of the advisory committee of the foundation. "However, the foundation has no influence on who can rent the houses to live in the upper floors That pretty much takes care of itself. - You really want to live there ... it's a unique crowd," says Zweigler. "Unlike the Middle Ages [and long thereafter], commercial tenants and residential tenants are [almost always] are not one and the same."
Despite attacks over the centuries, the mix of housing and trade persisted. The Foundation Bridge 'Merchants founded in 1996, allocates stores according to strict criteria in order to maintain a particular charm of the bridge. The standards require a mix of industrial sectors defined as arts and crafts, antiques, and spices from abroad and specialties of the region.
"It is also important, there is no chain stores and absolutely only sole proprietors," said Wolfgang Zweigler, head of the advisory committee of the foundation. "However, the foundation has no influence on who can rent the houses to live in the upper floors That pretty much takes care of itself. - You really want to live there ... it's a unique crowd," says Zweigler. "Unlike the Middle Ages [and long thereafter], commercial tenants and residential tenants are [almost always] are not one and the same."
Kate Jordan photo
Gabriele Leuschner is one of the exceptions: for over 30 years, she is operated toy store wood on the deck of Merchants and lives just above the 71-year-old made decorations made by hand and also Gravestones;. she gets her toys from other sources it is. known for its own small wooden houses with red and blue roofs, which are, unsurprisingly, on the model of Merchant's Bridge homes.
Kate Jordan Photo
As was typical for medieval towns, the houses on the bridge all have names. Like most properties have been combined, they often have double names. Leuschner's house is called Zum Schwarzen eisernen Hut und Rad (For Hard Hat and Black Wheel). The name hangs above the door as a symbol wrought iron in the blacksmith shop it once was.
The building was as smart as he is in this picture that since the 1980s the poor state of the Merchants' Bridge in the 1960s was the complete restoration needed. Sometimes homes have also been restored. "In difficult economic conditions [of the German Democratic Republic], it was difficult to maintain and repair homes with appropriate materials in their historical form," says Christian Misch.
Yet cared for people. 'Pont merchants has not been as badly neglected as was the case with many other historical city centers in the GDR, "says Wolfgang Zweigler. "It was already then a centerpiece. - And at the same time not religious" It was important for the GDR leadership oriented atheistically
. The building was as smart as he is in this picture that since the 1980s the poor state of the Merchants' Bridge in the 1960s was the complete restoration needed. Sometimes homes have also been restored. "In difficult economic conditions [of the German Democratic Republic], it was difficult to maintain and repair homes with appropriate materials in their historical form," says Christian Misch.
Yet cared for people. 'Pont merchants has not been as badly neglected as was the case with many other historical city centers in the GDR, "says Wolfgang Zweigler. "It was already then a centerpiece. - And at the same time not religious" It was important for the GDR leadership oriented atheistically
Kate Jordan Photo
Some of the bridge buildings at the rear.
When Gabriele Leuschner has heard of the new rental houses planned the bridge in 1972, she immediately filled a rental application and got accepted. But it took until 1984 before the reconstruction of the house was completed and could move in In the meantime, she had learned about her husband, who -. Was it an accident or fate? - Had also dreamed of a life on this historical monument.
926-sq ft Leuschner apartment three floors - a of four rooms and a kitchen, bathroom and toilet. The floor plan is simple: the rooms are all facing north, with a direct view of the row of houses opposite. The kitchen and bathroom are located on the south side with a magnificent view of the river Gera, which flows under the bridge Merchants.
When Gabriele Leuschner has heard of the new rental houses planned the bridge in 1972, she immediately filled a rental application and got accepted. But it took until 1984 before the reconstruction of the house was completed and could move in In the meantime, she had learned about her husband, who -. Was it an accident or fate? - Had also dreamed of a life on this historical monument.
926-sq ft Leuschner apartment three floors - a of four rooms and a kitchen, bathroom and toilet. The floor plan is simple: the rooms are all facing north, with a direct view of the row of houses opposite. The kitchen and bathroom are located on the south side with a magnificent view of the river Gera, which flows under the bridge Merchants.
Kate Jordan Photo
When you enter the house of Leuschner, we realize immediately the person who lives here loves history and crafts. Wood, antiques and lovingly restored collection share space with small paintings, photographs and wooden crafts, ceramics and stone. There are also works of art by neighbors and old hand venerable Merchant's Bridge painter Egon Zimpel. He had shown, among other things, a book about the resident cat Bridge, Franz -. House pet of the Leuschner that trailed and was welcome everywhere on the bridge
Unusual for historic structures are the large windows. They bring a lot of light in small rooms - but also a lot of noise. "We had soundproof windows installed, because it is very strong here. When people walk on the bridge at night and have a normal conversation, they are not aware that we can understand every word, "says Leuschner. All this work on the house must be approved by the leaders of the foundation. Here's how they ensure that the cultural heritage is preserved as much as possible in its original form.
It's just 18ft between two rows of houses, you can watch right on the plate of your neighbor. For neighbors who are friendly with each other, this is no problem. "Of course, we also have curtains, so we wave to each other, sometimes at night - it is very relaxed," says Leuschner. "We all know -. It is a very good atmosphere "
Unusual for historic structures are the large windows. They bring a lot of light in small rooms - but also a lot of noise. "We had soundproof windows installed, because it is very strong here. When people walk on the bridge at night and have a normal conversation, they are not aware that we can understand every word, "says Leuschner. All this work on the house must be approved by the leaders of the foundation. Here's how they ensure that the cultural heritage is preserved as much as possible in its original form.
It's just 18ft between two rows of houses, you can watch right on the plate of your neighbor. For neighbors who are friendly with each other, this is no problem. "Of course, we also have curtains, so we wave to each other, sometimes at night - it is very relaxed," says Leuschner. "We all know -. It is a very good atmosphere "
Kate Jordan Photo
Kate Jordan photo
home is even closer than the street: 15ft the design attempts to make up what it lacks in width the biggest challenge is that the oak staircase takes a quarter of the.. area. this is why home life is linked to many stairs. "for us, it was no problem, " says Leuschner "but when our daughter was born, we have attached an additional rail on the side of the wall for safety reasons [on the upper flight, not shown]. "
Kate Jordan photo
Thanks to intelligent solutions, sufficient living space has been carved into small pieces. The kitchen cabinets are still the original GDR furniture. To maximize the kitchen area, Leuschner hanging pots and pans with a bar attached to the ceiling.
Kate Jordan Photo
The Leuschners done without a large dining table, opting for a small place. They built the rustic wooden bench (with integrated storage) on an old chest and a map, painted and carved in a rustic style. Here, the lady of the wood carving of the house likes to sit with a cup of tea while reading the newspaper.
Kate Jordan Photo
Kate Jordan photo
of corridors on the first and second floors, as well as the storage area on the ground floor, Leuschner can go out on long, narrow balconies. This is a favorite spot, especially in summer.
Kate Jordan Photo
Kate Jordan photo
Because it is very difficult to maneuver large pieces of furniture through the door and get them in small rooms, Leuschner and her husband built most of the furniture themselves on site. This includes the vast library that spans the living room wall.
The carved wooden stool next to the tiled stove is a legacy. On the question of whether she likes to sit on this beautiful piece of wood, however, is reluctant Leuschner - things that look good are not necessarily comfortable. "I prefer to use it as a tablet," she admits.
The carved wooden stool next to the tiled stove is a legacy. On the question of whether she likes to sit on this beautiful piece of wood, however, is reluctant Leuschner - things that look good are not necessarily comfortable. "I prefer to use it as a tablet," she admits.
Kate Jordan Photo
because of their love for the historical pieces, the couple also restored many old furniture themselves. They had seen this Secretary standing in a garage and used as a tool cabinet. "This furniture does not deserve such a fate, and we asked if we could buy," recalls Leuschner. But the sculptor is not sitting there to work. " for design, I prefer to stay at the table to eat, "she laughs.
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Kate Jordan photo
an ancient bell with a special meaning hangs in the hallway. "For my parents, it was waking up. The weekend we were all at home, it has been used to advertise breakfast," she said.
Kate Jordan Photo
Before restoring the Merchant's Bridge homes in the 1970s and 1980s, this room, which is flooded with light, was a bedroom. Today Leuschner can shower here with a magnificent view of the city. A large mirror that covers almost the entire width of the bathroom visually enlarges the small space.
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Kate Jordan photo
in the old casement windows, Leuschner organized small wooden accessories.
Kate Jordan Photo
Leuschner and her husband ordered both modern painted tiles of a neighboring painter and ceramist. It is indicative of how the people of Merchant's Bridge like to help each other. This applies to things of every day, too. "If something is not quite working with electricity, I do not walk my neighbor - he did all these things All in all, it sent a good interaction," says Leuschner
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the toilet is separate from the bathroom. at first, the washing machine was also there, but it was better located on the ground floor, because these old buildings are very sensitive to vibrations. " in rotation mode, the drum shook so bad, we were concerned would fall flat on the kitchen cabinets of our neighbors, because they were just on the other side of the wall, "says Leuschner.
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the toilet is separate from the bathroom. at first, the washing machine was also there, but it was better located on the ground floor, because these old buildings are very sensitive to vibrations. " in rotation mode, the drum shook so bad, we were concerned would fall flat on the kitchen cabinets of our neighbors, because they were just on the other side of the wall, "says Leuschner.
Kate Jordan Photo
In years past, the third floor was an attic. When the daughter of Leuschner and later his son were born, the couple needed more space, so they built a room and later, another on this floor. "The ceilings here are up just over 6 feet tall. This is very low. The lower floors of the bedrooms have normal height ceilings," says Leuschner.
After the children left, they converted the first piece in a guest room, because children and grandchildren to adults like to visit. old room of his son became a workspace and hobby husband Leuschner.
After the children left, they converted the first piece in a guest room, because children and grandchildren to adults like to visit. old room of his son became a workspace and hobby husband Leuschner.
Kate Jordan Photo
Kate Jordan photo
in the games room, there is much to admire. Leuschner's husband was a mining engineer and collection of antique lamps miners was his passion.
Once a year, you have the best view from above on a different show. During the third weekend in June, the Merchants Bridge fabulous festival is celebrated. Then, all residents are reminded once again of the major environment in which they live - and here, above all, the history of life
Tell us ...
What about the bridge? Could you live in a place like this? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Once a year, you have the best view from above on a different show. During the third weekend in June, the Merchants Bridge fabulous festival is celebrated. Then, all residents are reminded once again of the major environment in which they live - and here, above all, the history of life
Tell us ...
What about the bridge? Could you live in a place like this? Share your thoughts in the comments below.