By Chris Hayes
From the old Reichstag building to Checkpoint Charlie and the Brandenburg Gate, the centre of Berlin is rich with landmarks that reflect its complex history. Mitte, which aptly means “middle”, is also the cultural heart of the city and is known for its theatres, cinemas and the five museums of Museum Island. Homes, however, are harder to come by.
This three-bedroom penthouse with unobstructed views of Gendarmenmarkt square is on the market for $9mn. The square itself offers a masterclass in symmetry, where the towering domes of 18th-century cathedrals frame a wide, cobblestone plaza that serves as one of the city's premier architectural showpieces. A recent €21mn project introduced high-tech infrastructure beneath the stone slabs. Using a “sponge city” design to collect rainwater, it helps to keep the historic site cool and offers residents a more sustainable oasis.
Sitting atop the KfW state bank building and measuring 344 square metres, the penthouse is one of nine residential apartments in the building. It looks out on to the attractive dome of the French Cathedral on Gendarmenmarkt square.
The building has been through several iterations: it was previously home to the state bank of the Kingdom of Prussia, a German kingdom that existed from 1701 to 1918. German architect David Gilly remodelled the original baroque headquarters in 1806, which were later demolished, replaced and expanded over the years, shaped by political tumult and damage during the second world war. The latest construction project, adding the flats, took place between 2001 and 2002 by Ehlers Krop Architects.
With generous windows and a comfortable balcony, a key charm of the apartment is the ability to watch the bustle of the city against the dramatic backdrop of classical architecture. Sliding glass doors and an open layout mean the apartment is bright — glimpses of the surrounding buildings can be seen from the five main rooms.
While the large windows give the penthouse a modern feel, other aspects reflect the historic grandeur of the building. The owner was involved in the construction process with Ehlers Krop, requesting specific materials to be used throughout: maple parquet, fine marble, stucco lustre wall finishes and other fine details such as malachite door handles. Nods to its previous context meet a tactile aesthetic, with the result being a clean, open and attractive space.
Downstairs, there’s a listed classical-style staircase in the main corridor dating to 1863. The double sweep bifurcating staircase curves upwards, creating a spacious corridor that leads to the residential apartments above. Using this route takes you through the main pathway of the bank, though there’s also a more discrete entrance with a private doorway and high-security key access and camera surveillance.
For many, the romance of Berlin lies in the cheek-by-jowl proximity to neighbours and strangers, whether in a shared apartment or a crowded club. But a sanctuary in the centre of the centre kindles its own kind of fantasy: the luxury of absolute respite amid the dense urban sprawl.
Photography: Esther Bertram
