Houses and buildings – history

Houses and buildings – history

Villa Braun Metzingen

Villa Braun
At the time the proprietor, Carl Braun senior, ordered the building plans for his new villa in 1893, it was already evident that he himself would never move into the building. The cloth manufacturer was building the villa for his two sons Carl and Johannes instead, who each were to move into one floor of the prestigious building with their families.
Five rooms were planned for each of the families, as well as a spacious lobby, tiled kitchens and bathrooms. Stucco ceilings mirrored the manufacturers social standing. The brick walls of the villa matched those of his factory buildings. Beautiful monograms of the inhabitants were etched into glass and can be found at the entrance of each floor. The fact, that electricity was planned for each room was a novelty for the small south German town of Metzingen. The small company owned water power plant made such luxury possible. The price of not having electricity all the time was rather small in comparison. Johannes Braun didn’t mind the interruption too much, when he was reading his paper in the evening and all of a sudden the power went off. The villa was designed with diligence and great love for detail, which becomes evident when looking at the facades rich in variety: friezes differing in color, blinds of chased metal at the barrel lights, numerous ornaments of stone and metal. The roof structure is made of sturdy oak beams, that have survived a century already without taking damage - even though they lack the preservation measures taken nowadays. The metal flags at the top of each tower bear the proprietor’s initials: CB. Each floor was heated by beautifully designed tiled stoves elaborately made of ceramic materials. Parquetry flooring was the only option for a house as this one. The design of the storey was more plane, as this floor mainly contained boxrooms and the servant’s quarters. But even here beautiful batten floorings were chosen, which survived until today in good condition as well.
The stories of ghosts, however, that used to be brought up in connection with the villa in the past, did not make it to the 21st century, such as the one of the black poodle that came through the open door, shot up all stairs until he reached the storey, surrounded the table upstairs three times and left the building the same way it came. Needless to say that the animal had never been seen before or since, and that its appearance was accompanied by a severe streak of bad luck. Then there was a woman living in the house who was in touch with spirits. Whenever such contact occurred, she reputedly spoke in a deep and unnatural voice. Finally there was also a room - once again in the storey - that was found locked one day, which nobody could explain. The door had to be opened by force - it didn’t have a lock, only a door rail that had been used to lock the door from the inside. Even more miraculous was the fact, that all windows were shut as well - the only explanation was a ghost, that was able to leave the room through tiny cracks after locking the door.
 
Villa Braun
Villa Braun
Villa Braun
 
Villa Braun
Villa Braun
Villa Braun
 
Villa Braun
Villa Braun
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