King Maximilian II of Bavaria enriched the existing Wittelsbach parks on Lake Starnberg with two masterpieces of garden design: Feldafing Park (from 1850) and Rose Island, created in 1854. On the former fishermen's island of Wörth, the garden designer Peter Joseph Lenné created a fragrant rose paradise which was later to become one of Ludwig II's favourite places. Among the guests he entertained here were Empress Elisabeth of Austria, the Russian Tsarina Maria Alexandrovna and Richard Wagner.
Feldafing Park, which was laid out by the court garden director Carl von Effner opposite Rose Island, is popular for its splendid views of the countryside framed by old oaks and beeches, with Lake Starnberg and the Alps in the background. Plans for a summer palace on a hill in the park were abandoned with the early death of Maximilian II in March 1864.
Rose blossom on Rose Island Usually the first blossom begins around mid-June, the second around mid-August, each lasting for about 4 weeks. Depending on the climate the roses may bloom (even weeks) earlier or later.
Monument under water The remains of prehistoric pile dwellings on the bottom of Lake Starnberg by Rose Island have been included on UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage list.
In June 2011, over 100 selected archaeological sites in several countries were declared cultural heritage under the heading of "Prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps". They provide researchers with unique insights into the ancient world of farming, everyday life, agriculture, animal breeding and technical innovations. The pile dwelling sites in Lake Starnberg, together with other remains of settlements, represent an archaeological heritage which dates back to 5000 BC.
For further information about the pile dwellings in Bavaria, please contact the Bavarian State Office for the Preservation of Monuments (Bayerisches Landesamt für Denkmalpflege). Clients of Domizile Reisen can now rent a holiday villa very close to Rose Island. Parkvilla Tutzing can be rented as one villa to accommodate up to 9 persons or it can be separated in 3 unique suites of different size. Rose island is only some 4 kilometers away and you can reach it by bike within 15 minutes along the beautiful trail on the lakeshore. You will have stunning views of the lake and the Alps behind.
Recently, we examine a great demand for luxury "homes away from home" in Italy. Especially the Tuscan coastline reaching from La Spezia all the way to Civitavecchia seems to be very attractive for our visitors. So I have decided to post some information on the Tuscan coastline and the very attractive islands. Let´s start off with one of the most visited towns in Italy - Pisa. The vicinity to the coast has always been a decisive advantage for Pisa; and the city knew how to deploy cleverly. Since the 11th century the sea republic had owned a powerful navy at the 13 km distant aperture of the river Arno. From there the Pisans went into the long-time battles between the Christian and the Islamic world. On this crusades Pisa was able to reel decisive victories. With their superior naval power they opened up new ways for maritime trade and founded various trading colonies in the Orient. Due to the created prosperity, Pisa could document a great artistic height between the 11th and the 13th century. Several architectural styles from the early Christian era, the Lombard-Romanic times and from the Arabic world unified in Pisa. The best and most impressive example for these times is the beautiful and world famous plaza „Piazza dei Miracoli“. The place of miracles unifies the cathedral, the baptistery, the cemetery and the Leaning Tower together with its art treasures and monuments to one of Italy’s most beautiful ensembles of churches. We present stunning villas on the Versilia coast, which offers accomodation for 14 and which can be rented with fullservice.
One of our most popular houses is called "Can Pelat" and is located on the enchanting island of Ibiza. It is very remarkable how much positive feedback we have received from our guests who stayed in Can Pelat so far. One of them, a young couple, with their little child reported as follows: " ...First of all we would like to thank you again for this well done coordination and for the high quality of this holiday home. We have spend a really good time there... ." The finca with private pool is situated in the bay of Cala Carbo with seaview. This area is one of the most beautiful places of Ibiza. You can comfortably reach several sandy beaches by foot or by car in a few minutes. Can Palet is separated in a main and a guest house. There is plenty of space. The German owner has arranged the house very comfortable and in a very good style. The interior design of the house gets a lot of compliments. A Swiss couple, for example, was very impressed by Can Pelat and they absolutly wanted to know the name of the owner to leave him a personal letter. Furthermore the finca offers a nice Mediterranean garden - partly covered terraces to dine and relax outside. For these who would like to get to know Can Pelat in 2010 should not wait too long because the first pre-bookings are already done.
We regularly travel to inspect our holiday villas. For me it is always a great pleasure when it comes to visit Tuscany. Mid September, Helga and I went to Tuscany and Umbria for one week. We inspected some extraordinary villas, which Tuscany badly needs to catch up with the progressive Greek villas. Amongst the Tuscan villas, there are three villas called Chiana Uno, Chiana Due and Chiana Tre. They are stylish and modern and designed to individual taste, away from the mass products. Needless to say, that these villas rent very well. We pride ourselfs having some of the best Umbrian villas for rent. Amongst them, there are Casa Bramasole, Casa di Vento and Civitella Rocca. Each of them has it´s individual charme.
Our common trip to Tuscany was not only for business, but also a private matter took us there. I turned 50 on September 20th and I was so happy to celebrate my birthday to gether with dear friends (and business partners) of ours. AnnaRita and Raymondo recommended one of the best restaurants in the Chianti region, where we went together to dine the Tuscan way. It is hidden "in the middle of now where" and thus, still a place with charme and character. The Vecchia Osteria is run by Roberta and Gianluigi - a very nice couple, that makes every guest feel like at home. We, that was Helga, AnnaRita, Raymondo and I, had Antipasti, then Pasta, then a Primo and, and. . . . so much good Tuscan redwine. While traveling around, we visited quite some interesting places, such as Picenza, MontepulcianoSiena and also smaller villages. Lucigniano, Marciano della Chiana and San Giovanni d´Asso. When having lunch here in the restaurant "La Locanda del Castello" we met a very nice couple from San Diego. There names are Diane and Net Michalowski. We gave them many recommendations, what to see and where to go. At the end, they told us about their plans to visit Greece in a year or two. Again we gave them lots of information, being well experienced with Greece and the island traveling. We changed cards and a few days ago we delightfully received their email
Hi Helga and Arthur,
It was such a pleasure meeting and conversing with you both. We appreciate the information you shared with us. We truly enjoyed Tuscany and plan to get back there again someday. Rome was just amazing with all the architecture and history. It is great to travel but always a pleasure to come back home.
We are truly interested in Travelling to Greece in September of 2011. You suggested we read a book that you enjoyed about someone that travelled Greece and decided to make it his home. Could you send us the name of the book please?
Mach's Gut and know that we will be in touch for holiday homes.
Talk to you soon,
Ned and Diane Michalowski
We love meeting people and sharing information. Always look - we might be around and if so, we will definately have time for a chat with you. And you! And you!
Look forward to seeing you
Arthur P. Mattejat
I have visited the islands Paros and Naxos for a couple of days to inspect new holiday villas and to control many of the other villas we rent out. I am very satisfied. During my stay I have lived in
Agia Irini No. 3. It feels like coming home every time, because I try to spend a week there every year.
At a lot of houses have taken many positive changes; the owners realize that they constantlly need to make improvements, as in
Spiti Krios. The owner, Kostis, has built a completely new pool deck and installed a new swimming pool. Below the pool deck there is now a seperate suite, which is rented in addition to the main house.
On the chique and also still very original island Antiparos are many first-class holiday villas. Villa Alexandra used to be our first domicile on the island eight years ago. By now we have some more exclusive holiday homes on the island, like the villa and windmill Maria Sophia as well as the
Soros Beach Villas, offering accomodation for up to 14 persons. I took the High Speed Ferry to Naxos. Here we offer two beautiful and inexpensive holiday homes, Spiti Orkos on the west coast and Spiti Engares in the north.
Spiti Orkos boodles with its perfect location, because the the best surfer´s beaches are just s stone throw away.
Spiti Engares is very appealing because it is a single house at the outskirts of Engares. The owners of the houses live in an outbuilding of the houses and do anything to make the clients feel comfortable. On same day I took the ferry Blue Star Naxos back to Paros. The High Speed is a bit more expensive because it is faster. One adult and a normal size car cost 42,- EUR per way. (rates valid in 2009)
I was completely thrilled by Makria Miti in the south of Paros. The owner has built a private pool for each of the three villas.
Makria Miti West was completed in May 2009 and is exceedingly gorgeous. I was very attracted by the garden, that subordinates the surrounding local Macchia, but is still designed with loving attention to detail by an artificial gardener.
Often I am asked what the food in Greece is like. I want to specifically disprove all prejudices. Some restaurants offer top to international standard. A typical Greek taverna with delicious fish and sea food is Mitzi in Naoussa. A little hidden, apart of the drive of the scenic fishing port, he has been running this taverna in a pictorial bay for many years, that draws me back every time. Don´t forget to order the home made patao salat . . . .
One of the best restaurants for fish on the island is the taverna „Porphyra“ near the post office of Parikia. The friendly owners offer first-class fish, because his son is a professional fisherman and thus they only serve the best. My recommendation for the best restaurant in Parikia is „Levantis“ on the Market Street, Tel. +30 (22840) 23613. It is a cosy restaurant in a small, entwined court yard, a bit more pricey than the typical Souvlaki tavernas, but the delicious meals are worth every cent. Where else would you get Fish-Ceviche, grape salad with avocado and spicy lentil soup with coriander in such an excellent quality? Many traditional meals are modernly refined - give it a try!
