Georg and Dennis actually just wanted to take a look at the late medieval manor house and then fell in love with it. As an art historian, Georg has always dreamed of a historic house, but actually rather of Art Nouveau - Dennis preferred a Nordic country house. But in the case of "Haus Monreal", both were suddenly in agreement. The house with a large garden is located directly on the Lahn, inserted into the old town of Diez at the foot of the Count's Castle.

In 2015, the two bought the house with the support of their parents. At the time, Georg was just 28 years old. Since then, the house has taken over a bit of the direction in their lives. In fact, the building has a total of 600 m² of living space. Much too much for two people. Georg and Dennis now occupy around 300 m² from the 2nd floor up. They had to find solutions for the remaining space. Even though they never wanted to become landlords, the second floor now houses two vacation apartments. They help finance the big project. The two are currently renovating the first floor for Georg's parents, who plan to move in there soon. This idea, too, first came about because of the big house.

When Georg and Dennis bought the house, it was in a fairly good state of renovation, but far from finished. From the very beginning, they worked closely with the historic preservation office. It is important to them to preserve the building for posterity and also to share it to some extent. Because they feel that such a historic cultural monument does not belong to them alone.

The oldest components of the building date from 1329: the old city wall with a wall thickness of more than three meters and a battlement that can be easily seen from the Lahn side.

The Nassau bailiff Dietrich von Monreal added the Gothic house in the 15th century. Until today he is the namesake of the whole house.

A large part of the half-timbering dates from 1585, and in 1608 another extension was added.

In 1980 the house was completely renovated by the then owner. The glazed winter garden dates back to this time, as does the arcade in the courtyard, which today serves as access to the upper floors. In 2009, there was a change of ownership and further renovation work. In particular, the then owner had begun to make the house ecologically and energetically sustainable with clay plaster and wall heating. Georg and Dennis now have to complete it.

In their furnishings, modern elements meet antiques. Because Georg's passion is historical furniture. For him, this is also the best way to act sustainably. A special highlight is his historic game table with fold-out cup holders. But the eye-catcher in their living area is above all the old dugout staircase. While the spindle was still completely preserved, the steps had to be newly manufactured from solid oak. An old preserved step served as a template.

Much of the house was made possible because Dennis has set up his own woodworking shop and can do a lot of the woodwork himself. Although he works as a consultant for digital transformation, he inherited his craftsmanship from his grandfather, who was a foreman. Such a large project is also not feasible without tackling it himself.

The two are excited to see what other paths they will take as a result of buying the house.

A film by Uta Meyer (editor), Stefanie Vier (camera), Johannes Bock (sound) and Malte Roethig (editing).

00:00 Living in the historic Amtshaus
00:32 Kitchen
02:34 Dining room
03:35 Living room
04:40 Study
06:20 Bathroom
08:00 Children's room
09:34 Apartments
10:57 Apartment of Georg's parents