Welcome to our Gulfhof!
We are Hans and Coretta Vogelberg, and since 2022, we have been the proud owners of a very special place: a listed Gulfhof in Vreschen-Bokel.
A Gulfhof is a traditional farmhouse unique to northwestern Germany, with a history reaching back to the 16th century. What makes it so remarkable is its design – living quarters and farm buildings all under one roof. At its heart is the Gulf, a lofty central hall once filled with hay, grain, and farm tools. Today, it tells stories of generations past while offering space for new ideas.
Our Journey
Coretta grew up right here in Vreschen-Bokel, while Hans is from Düsseldorf. For fourteen years, we lived in England with our three children. During that time, Coretta trained as a teacher and worked for many years as a German teacher at English schools.
Over and over again, she met students who loved learning German but had never actually been to Germany. Their picture of the country came only from books. That realisation sparked a dream: to create a place where learning German would mean experiencing German life and culture firsthand.
So when we returned – just like in the famous song – “back to East Frisia,” the idea was born: a language school on our farm.
Schoolmesters Hus – Continuing a Tradition
Our property has an educational past: the local chronicle records that lessons were already being taught here around 1640. That’s why the farm is still fondly called Schoolmesters Hus (“Schoolmaster’s House”). Today, Coretta continues that legacy in a new way – as the Schoolmestersche.
Breathing New Life into an Old Farm
Together with our architect, Johann Busker – a specialist in Gulfhöfe for over 30 years – we carefully restored the old farm. Now, the estate combines tradition with modern comfort:
Sustainable renovations to KfW 70 energy standards
A main house with three cosy holiday apartments
A welcoming language school
What’s Next
From October 2025, we’ll be offering week-long German courses right here on the farm. Students can stay in our apartments or with local host families – learning not just the language, but the culture and everyday life.
At the same time, our holiday apartments are available for rent via FeWo Direkt. And soon, we’ll also have three event spaces ready for seminars, workshops, and training courses.