Cochemer Bahn

Amtshaus

former Bauernhof-Burghaus viz. Historisches Stadthaus mit Mauer und Kleiner Runturm

2026-4

2026.4.1 ~ Previously...

However simple it may seem compared to the layout of the grounds surrounding the abbey, the danger of going 'overdone' lies precisely in that simplicity.

The whole must be coherent and believable. Every element, no matter how small, must have a reason, a story, to make the scene convincing.

The space in front of the castle wall, in particular, requires 70 percent tranquility and no more than 30 percent activity.

You must get the feeling that you are looking inside by chance at a quiet moment:

somewhere a cart is being loaded, two servants are working with a horse, wood is ready,

someone is working in the garden, chickens are walking across the square…

and otherwise, it is quiet.

In 2025, we left the so called Burghaus behind, and it was intended as a kind of house for the lower peasant nobility.

2.1.2025

In 2026, that plan was abandoned and this beautiful building was given a spot opposite the abbey, becoming part of a small castle village focussed on the Weinkellerei.

7.5.2025

In August 2026, I will have been able to devote myself to this section, now that the cemetery and the ornamental garden of the abbey are virtually complete.

6.6.2026, a bit toying with trees for a first impression

~~~

2026.4.2 ~ Planning and execution

11.7.2026

What held me back from starting this part of the project was that I didn't have a clear picture of the building's enclosure.

Admittedly, I still have parts of the abbey wall, but to put it this way: it was becoming too "wall-ish".

A suitable hedge wasn't a solution either.

Until I found a set of wall sections at my dealer that perfectly represents what I was actually looking for.

This was the cornerstone (literally and figuratively) and also the impetus I needed to tackle this part.

1.8.2026

Although seemingly hand-painted, I noticed that the grey grout was nothing other than the base colour of the material, and the sand colour was the only coating.

Not to my liking. So, back to the paint can to age manually.

1.8.2026

At first glance, it already looks somewhat convincing.

1.8.2026

The Amtshaus remained loose for a long time, but the next I glued it to the base plate, together with the new fencing.

2.8.2026

4.8.2026

I found the transition from the cobblestone street to sand and mud on the side of the Amtshaus a bit too abrupt here.

A beautiful sidewalk of two rows of plain tiles therefore seemed appropriate to me.

6.8.2026

In my opinion, the entrance to the Amtshaus should have a bit more of a landed gentry and dignified feel.

Using some Faller parts such as fencing and a threshold

6.6.2026

In the evening, I also started on a shelter for firewood.

6.6.2026

7.8.2026 | The roof is still crooked here and will be adjusted to the supporting post later.

~~~

2026.4.3 ~ Trees

Naturally, trees cannot be missing, although I am deliberately choosing small trees now so that the beautiful castle wall is not too completely obscured from view!

27.8.2026

~~~

The next day... cutting wood!

~~~

Today, a nice Saturday, I started to work on the (how shall we call it?) 'plaza' or Innenhof. Since I cut a lot of wood yesterday,

with very nice trees as well, I decided to depict craftsmanship in wood in this corner.

On a square like this, a water pump is imperative.

29.8.2026

~~~

The next days...

30.8.2026

31.8.2026

2.9.2026

7.9.2026

~~~

Finally some adjacent ideas by AI....

~~~

Because the wooden blocks tended to tip over during placement, I chose to lay a new row each subsequent day—once the glue had dried—working from both sides towards the center.

9.9.2026

11.9.2026 | 12.9.2026

14.9.2026 | 15.9.2026

17.9.2026

Rainer Woska gave me a brilliant idea: to pile up the leftover waste as well — bark, splinters, branches...

Not neatly, mind you! Just letting it drop from a teaspoon, in a natural way.

22.9.2026

Benches and flower boxes adorn the city wall beneath the arches.

22.9.2026

You can never have enough wood. I found a cart, and it got filled up too...

Winter is coming!

23.9.2026

Rainer commented on this pic on FB: "Da kann der Winter kommen!"

So, let it snow...

(26.9.2026 | AI)

24.9.2026

In the meantime, the seam between the rundturm and the connection has also been sealed with heather.

25.9.2026

The following day’s intervention — while not particularly major — did indeed result in a new visual dimension.

Everything that was light blue disappeared beneath a brown coat of paint.

But first, I went ahead and trimmed the hedges to the right length—specifically the ones along the side and in the back garden.

25.9.2026

A number of flowerpots will soon be placed on this tiled edge.

First, vacuum up all debris—such as sand and leaf fragments—before applying the primer.

~~~

Then Saturday arrived. A truly industrious day!

I made a start on the garden by first laying down a layer of gravel. Last night, I had already scoped out where to place the garden gate.

25.9.2026 | Fence: Adler Modelbaumanufaktur Köln

26.9.2026

~~~

A few suggestions of these AI-pictures are helpful...

1. To me, way too formal and rigidly rectangular... it could be more playful.

That back door isn't in the original... but I might adopt a few suggestions. I find that little table and chair particularly fitting!

Those flowerpots on the stone ledge against the house set the perfect atmosphere I want to create.

~~~

Four days later, I continued to fill in the whole garden.

30.10.2026

Walking all the way from the front door to the back of the garden with a tray full of teacups and cookies? Nay!

So... creativity provided the solution.

1.10.2026

The next day I took care of these Preiserlein, waiting for almost for, maybe five decades to finally get to their destination.

I provided soft pastel colors from the 1920s.

2.10.2026

A flowering tree for the back garden | 6.10.2026

Downton Abbey... how inspiring. Thank you, Maggi Smith!

7.10.2026

8.10.2026

~~~

15.10.2026 | adding Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'

~~~

Last update: 15.10.2026