A home with history has a very special atmosphere. Old materials, structures that have evolved over time and individual details tell stories that can't be planned. It's exactly this connection between past and present that makes an old farmhouse on Lake Tegernsee in Germany such a special place to live. Join us on a visit to Jennifer Kathe aka @pepperandgold and discover how rustic charm and timeless design come together.
After moving out of the city, Jennifer fulfilled her long-held dream of living in a traditional farmhouse in the countryside. Together with her dog Fritz, she has created a place that preserves the original character of the house while incorporating modern interior ideas.
The result is a home where rustic elements, timeless furniture and a warm colour palette come together in harmony.
A home with history and character
Old farmhouses have a special quality: they come with materials and structures that have evolved over decades. Wooden ceilings, traditional details and original features create an atmosphere that feels cosy straight away.
That's why designing the house wasn't about starting completely from scratch. Instead, the aim was to preserve existing features and give them a new stage with modern furnishings.
Historic architectural elements meet contemporary design – a combination that gives the home its individual character.
From city life to the countryside
Moving from a modern flat in the city to an old house in the countryside doesn't just change where you live – it changes your daily life too.
Where a more pared-back, clean interior style dominated before, the new home was allowed to become warmer and more personal. Natural materials, exposed wood and cosy corners create a relaxed atmosphere.
The move shows how strongly rooms can influence the way we feel at home. A home isn't created by furniture alone but by the combination of architecture, furnishings and personal memories.
Old structures meet modern design
One of the house's greatest strengths is the deliberate interplay of different styles. Rather than covering up the original character of the farmhouse, the existing features were integrated into the design.
Combining rustic surfaces with clean-lined furniture creates interesting contrasts. As a result, traditional materials don't look old-fashioned but take on a modern interpretation.
It's this mix that brings rooms to life: an antique piece of furniture can look just as natural next to a modern design object as a historic wooden ceiling above a minimalist interior.
An interior with personality
Your own interior style doesn't come from following particular trends but from consciously choosing things that bring lasting joy.
The focus is on furniture that doesn't just look good but is part of everyday life. Timeless design, high-quality materials and flexible uses all play an important role.
Personal pieces in particular give a home its identity. Heirlooms, keepsakes or furniture that has already accompanied several stages of life tell stories and make rooms unique.
Sustainable living with durable design
Taking a conscious approach to interiors also means thinking long term about furniture. Rather than replacing things often, it's worth investing in pieces that last for many years.
Durable materials, timeless shapes and flexible concepts let you adapt furniture to different stages of life.
Sustainable living doesn't mean going without – it's a conscious decision in favour of quality and permanence.
The importance of storage at home
In a house with lots of personal belongings, storage plays a particularly important role. Well-planned storage solutions help rooms look calm and harmonious.
Modular furniture has particular advantages here: it can be used flexibly and adapted to different needs.
It's not just about keeping things tidy but about design too. Storage furniture can itself become an important part of the interior, combining function with aesthetics.
Small details create atmosphere
A cosy home often comes down to the little things: pleasant lighting, natural materials, personal objects and carefully placed splashes of colour.
Light plays a particularly crucial role. Different light sources create depth and change the mood of a room depending on the time of day.
Portable lamps and indirect lighting let you highlight individual areas flexibly and create a warm atmosphere.
A home that grows with your life
This home story shows that modern living and historic architecture don't have to be opposites. On the contrary: it's the combination of different eras and styles that makes rooms so interesting.
A home with personality emerges where functionality, design and personal stories come together.
The old farmhouse on Lake Tegernsee stands for an approach to living that stays timeless: not just furnishing rooms, but filling them with life.
