1960s modernist railway signal box in Berlin, Germany
Something very different on the market via one of our readers. This 1960s modernist railway signal box in Berlin, Germany.
I love this kind of industrial renovation project and have featured a UK signal box in the past. But it doesn’t quite look like this one.
Thanks to Kaspar for getting in touch with this one. This signal box at Oranienburg, just outside Berlin, is currently used as a studio for metal design, but according to the owner, this 1964 DDR box has attained planning permission for living and working.
Or just a place to hang out, as it sounds idyllic. According to the owner, it sits in its own nature protection zone and on raised-up ground, so it has a ‘magnificent vista’ and overlooks a relatively quiet train line. He adds that the ‘train drivers wave to you if they see you in the observation room’.
On the other side of the building, one can watch the eagles diving for fish amongst the other interesting birds, as it is a bird protection zone. In the winter, when the water freezes, people from surrounding areas also come and play ice hockey there. In terms of land surrounding it, you get around 960 sq. metres of greenery.
The building itself has 236 sq. metres of usable space, with high ceilings and large windows that lend themselves to creating a cool industrial living or work area.
But it will need work to get there. I quite like its industrial feel now, which is enhanced by the remains of a large old computer. But for living, you probably want something a touch more polished.
As it stands, there are eight rooms in total, including a storage room, a kitchen and a bathroom – which suggests that the plumbing and utilities are already present. Well, almost. The listing says the property is currently heated by a wood stove. You might want to add to that if you plan on going through a Berlin winter here.
All of that around four minutes walk from the train station which takes one into Berlin in around 35 minutes. So ideal if you want to commute. Just on the market, the asking price is €600,000.
Note that the Stellwerk Fichtengrund (that’s the official name) also has its own Wikipedia page.
Images and details courtesy of the owner and Berlin First. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.
