By Johannes Malinowski
Businessman Michael K. spends the summer on the water of Lake Templin – in the port of Caputh.
For many people, a house on the water is the greatest dream of all. The feeling of freedom, the idea of untying the lines and sailing out into the world. Michael K. (51) has fulfilled this dream.
Whoever enters the port in Caputh (Potsdam-Mittelmark) lands in a different world. Past the porter’s house behind a barrier lies the hidden paradise. Michael K. has been spending his free time here at Lake Templin since March. He is usually on his 100 square meter houseboat from Thursday afternoon to Monday morning. Always there: Rhodesian Ridgeback male Bruno (6).
The boat is 100 square meters and fully equipped, e.g. with cooking island and underfloor heating Photo: Thomas Spikermann
“My parents had a holiday home and a boat nearby in Ferch back in the deepest days of the GDR,” he says. “I have an old connection to this beautiful corner.”
Life on the houseboat is exclusive. K. was successful in business, 30 years ago he and his brother founded a pizza chain in central Germany, which they both sold to an American company. Today he is a co-owner and strategic contributor at an online lending company.
The community of houseboat owners is small and committed. Three boats are at the jetty. “We live a bit like in a commune,” says K., who lives in Halle (Saale) during the week. “If someone needs something, they go over and get it.”
At the tip of the Wentorf Island in Caputh there is space for three houseboats and a few sports boats Photo: Thomas Spikermann
When the other boats are lifted out of the water in October, the houseboats stay in the harbour. With gas-powered underfloor heating, it can be endured here even in sub-zero temperatures.
IIn the summer he lives in the middle of a water sports paradise. “I get up every morning and jump straight into the lake,” says Michael, “I swim around the boat and jump straight into the shower.”
Bruno isn’t that big of a water fan – he doesn’t swim. His master wants to practice riding the stand-up board with him soon. He already has a life jacket…
Built so close to the water – aren’t there big problems with annoying mosquitoes? “Not at all”, says Michael, “there are many spiders on the water.”
On the upper deck is a huge roof terrace. The boat owner wants to install a solar system here soon Photo: Thomas Spikermann
A family of ducks swims past in front of the houseboat. It’s more than 30 degrees, but the interior climate is pleasant with the windows open. Should it get too hot in the summer paradise, at least the bedroom is air-conditioned.
The equipment is in no way inferior to that of an apartment. Kitchen with island and hood, large roof terrace and a large watercolor painting in shades of purple on the living room wall. It was painted by a Potsdam artist who lives in the port: Wolf-Dieter Pfennig, whose works also hang in museums in Japan and Finland.
He is aware that Michael K. lives a life that many others dream of. “Sometimes luck is a part of it,” he says. “To whom else should I prove something? If you need a helicopter or a jet, you have to work harder.” He doesn’t need any of that.
Michael K. can jump straight into Lake Templiner from the small wooden platform in the living room Photo: Thomas Spikermann
I jump out of bed straight into the lake
► The paradise historically: In the late 19th century, Caputh developed into a resort for city dwellers. Albert Einstein lived here in the summers from 1928 to 1932. The Himmelreich campsite, where the houseboats are moored, was already a popular vacation spot in GDR times. Michael K.’s parents had a holiday home with a boat in nearby Ferch.
► Here’s how I dropped anchor: Luckily, I met the harbor owner on a skiing holiday. Finding a berth is now very difficult.
► How much space is on the barge? The boat offers 100 square meters of living space.
► What does the pleasure cost, do others build a house for the money? “It depends on how big the house is and where it’s located,” says Michael. Boats in size start at 100,000 euros, there is no upper limit.
► The greatest happiness here: being able to jump out of bed straight into the lake in the morning.
►And in the winter? Michael K. stays true to his houseboat. When normal boats are taken out of the water, it becomes quiet in the harbor.
Dear BZ readers,
we would also like to get to know your summer paradise! Whether you spend the hot days in the garden, on the balcony or on the boat: we come to you! Send us a photo or video and a few sentences at [email protected].
