Sleepless in Stolpe on the Peene

After my breakfast in the beautiful garden, surrounded by sheep, cats, and chickens, I quickly feed the rabbits 🐇 and then head out on my last stretch with the bike. Today, I'm going to Stolpe on the Peene, about 45 km away. The weather is perfect, if it weren't for the wind blowing directly at me.

The route is scenically beautiful, and I take the time to admire the castle in Stankow. Otherwise, I don't take a longer break this time, and I reach the estate around 2:00 PM.

My room is charming with a view of the cobblestoned avenue, which serves as an atmospheric entrance to the estate. In the afternoon, I dive directly into the Peene next to the house and swim this time, instead of renting a canoe.

In the evening, I decide to dine in the elegant, over 300-year-old ferry house associated with the estate, from where there is also a beautiful view of the Peene. Today, they serve Wiener Schnitzel with roasted capers. A perfect dish for me.😋

And so my day ends in a relaxed manner.

I think…

Barely in my room, I realize that the business area must be located directly beneath me. Such a din. Plus the loud conversations of the staff. This commotion lasts until 12:30 AM, and sleep isn’t an option until then. Now I have to check what I’ll have to pay for this lovely ambiance. Booked for €189 over booking.com. Way too expensive, especially when I think back to the peace of last year.

I should mention at this point that my average overnight price on this cycling tour has been reduced to €66 with breakfast.

Still, I am of course angry, and my fighting spirit regarding the price is awakened. If I can’t sleep.😬.

At 5:40 AM, my night comes to an end as deliveries begin. Shortly after, I manage to fall into a deep sleep again. Nevertheless, my decision stands firm. I want a conversation with the estate manager.

I consider briefly…. If I have the conversation before breakfast and act out of hunger, I might be irritable and perhaps not strike the right tone🤔 if I have the conversation after breakfast, I could be full and satisfied, but the outcome might not be favorable for me🤔

Either way, in the end I’m relieved of the decision since Ms. Ariane Krause is not yet in the house.

Just as I'm almost finished, the director introduces herself to me. I swallow my bite and invite her to sit down. First, I start with the things I really like and that inspired me to be here a second time.

The manor combines romantic charm in a quiet, rural idyll directly on the Peene. Almost poetically phrased, I think,

especially emphasizing the word “quiet.”

“And now I come to my concern”

“I have a problem paying this high price for my room, which is directly above the business area.”

The director agrees. And she assures me she will think of something. 😃

The conversation now flows a bit more relaxed, and I ask her, since she is still quite young, about her career path. She started her training in this house. After that, she explored other establishments, only to return and work her way up to the position of deputy director.

I believe two years ago, she was offered the position to take charge. Chapeau bas 🎩

Now, I naturally want to know more, especially about the history of this manor.

It is a joy to note that the heritage of the 875-year-old history and culture of Stolpe is preserved and cared for for future generations. The improved village image, the newly paved streets, and the waterway resting area increasingly attract tourists. Additionally, anyone can witness the beauty of the protected river landscape. This “quiet treasure” of northern Germany must be discovered, and the biological diversity enjoyed, thanks also to the manor that has been revived with much love and good taste.

I casually mention that I like to report in public forums about where my bike tours take me and how I like it there. And it has already happened that a good publicity led to a complimentary overnight stay.

Since she belongs to Generation Z, she is immediately in the picture and understands the impact of social media.

And so it’s no surprise that in the end, everything turns out well and I am invited by the director of the house to come back.😜