House in Rhineland-Palatinate
Reasons to book
About this house rental
A former forest house dating back to 1875, this charming property—whose origins predate the French Revolution—enjoys a privileged setting within the Northern Vosges Regional Natural Park, a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve.
Here, nature reigns supreme. The elusive lynx, deer crossing at dawn, curious foxes, nocturnal badgers… you are not entirely at home here. And it is precisely this sense of humility before nature that makes a stay in this place so unique.
Nestled within a one-hectare wooded clearing at the foot of the Grand Wintersberg—the highest peak of the Northern Vosges—the former Buchwald forest house takes its name from the surrounding beech forest. It lies at the crossroads of countless hiking trails, including the historic and pioneering GR53, which runs alongside the property.
From the moment you step inside, the remarkable volumes of this 650 sqm residence envelop you in an atmosphere that is both majestic and soothing. The entrance hall, with its cathedral ceiling, features an original Kachelofen. It leads to a separate kitchen and an initial reception area composed of a cosy lounge and dining room, enhanced by a stone fireplace, wood panelling, and exposed beams reminiscent of the traditional Alsatian Stub.
A second kitchen, complete with bar, authentic bread oven, and rotisserie fireplace, opens onto a large veranda. This central living space, with triple exposure and generous openings, creates the feeling of being fully immersed in the surrounding forest.
Designed as a true cocoon, the garden level also features a spacious terrace for summer barbecues and a dedicated wellness area: a heated indoor swimming pool with lounge area, a sauna, and a fitness room opening onto the inner courtyard.
A vestibule, pantry, laundry room, and cloakroom with direct outdoor access complete this level.
Upstairs, across the two wings of the house, are eight beautifully appointed bedrooms, most of which feature their own private bathrooms.
For further moments of relaxation, the veranda with its fireplace invites you to enjoy a game of billiards by the fire. Nestled beneath exposed timber framing, the mezzanine—with its custom-built library and piano—offers a peaceful retreat for reading or music.
Alternatively, enjoy a game of pétanque in the shade of the spruce trees.
The Northern Vosges are an exceptional region: vast horizons of beech, oak, and Scots pine forests, home to remarkable biodiversity; thousands of kilometres of marked hiking trails; nearly 40 castles and medieval ruins perched on pink sandstone outcrops; spectacular rock formations, hidden valleys, and breathtaking viewpoints in a landscape where humans and nature have coexisted in harmony for centuries.
At Buchwald, one comes to slow down, to listen, to observe, to breathe. It is a place to seek the deep serenity that only powerful, protected nature can offer.
Welcome to Buchwald
Woodland Serenity
Nearby:
Casino & Thermal Spa of Niederbronn-les-Bains (13 min)
Bitche Golf Course (25 min – or create your own practice area directly at Buchwald!)
Cleebourg Winery (30 min)
Lalique Museum (35 min) / Saint-Louis Crystalworks (32 min)
Obersteinbach Equestrian Centre (10 min)
Strasbourg (50 min) / Baden-Baden (65 min)
Additional Information:
5-star classification in progress
“Gîtes Panda” certification in progress
Catering, massage services, and hiking guide available upon request
Well-behaved dogs are welcome upon prior request and approval
Access:
Train – Niederbronn-les-Bains station (15 min) / Strasbourg TGV station (50 min)
Air – Strasbourg-Entzheim Airport (65 min) / Baden-Baden Airport (62 min)
By car – A4 motorway
