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"Rebuilding a Run-Down Half-Timbered House: The Local Manager of Obergrombach Takes on a Unique Project"

Rebuilding an 18th-century half-timbered house in Obergrombach, with city walls integrated into the living room, under the supervision of Mayor Wolfram von Müller.

"Rebuilding a Neglected Half-Timbered House: Efforts of the Local Manager in Obergrombach"
"Rebuilding a Neglected Half-Timbered House: Efforts of the Local Manager in Obergrombach"

"Rebuilding a Run-Down Half-Timbered House: The Local Manager of Obergrombach Takes on a Unique Project"

A Historic Home in Obergrombach: The von Müller Residence

In the picturesque town of Obergrombach, a historic home stands as a testament to the region's rich past and the blend of tradition with modern living. The residence of Wolfram von Müller, a local mayor, is a remarkable example of preservation and renovation, maintaining the original baroque charm while catering to contemporary needs.

History and Background

Built in 1702, the von Müller house is steeped in history. Situated in a period when Obergrombach was a small settlement with fortified structures, this house often incorporated parts of city defenses, like walls or towers, for both practical security reasons and as a symbol of status. Historically, Wolfram von Müller, whose family is tied to the region, owned or resided in this house, linking it to local nobility or influential figures of that era.

Renovation

The renovations conducted by Wolfram von Müller aimed to stabilize and restore the structural integrity of the building while preserving its original baroque charm. The thick stone walls and the original facade were carefully maintained, while the interior was updated for modern use without detracting from its historical features. The integration of the old city wall into the house structure was preserved and highlighted, making the house a rare example of urban residential architecture that incorporates defensive elements from the town's fortifications.

Unique Features

The house uniquely incorporates a section of the Obergrombach city wall, which runs through or alongside the property. This not only provides a tangible link to the village’s fortified past but also adds to the property's uniqueness. Original elements such as thick stone masonry, wooden beams, and period-appropriate window shutters have been preserved or meticulously restored. The layout may reflect typical 18th-century design combined with adaptive reuse of defensive structures, blending a residential function with a fragment of historic military architecture.

Current Status

As of the latest information, the house remains a privately owned residence, exemplifying successful integration of historic preservation with modern living. It stands as a cultural heritage asset within Obergrombach, often noted in local records or heritage listings due to its age, architectural uniqueness, and connection to the city wall. The preserved city wall, with a length of 35 meters, is integrated into the living spaces of the rebuilt house.

The renovated house serves as a model for how historical buildings can be preserved and adapted, maintaining a living link between past and present in the community. If you need details about visiting or public access, those would depend on the current owner’s discretion or local heritage policies. The converted barn is located in the courtyard of the rebuilt house, and Angelika von Müller, the wife of the mayor, spent many hours restoring the city wall. Despite efforts to save the old substance, 90 percent of the wood was damaged, making it impossible. The American architect who taught at KIT came with ten students to record and measure the house.

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