A grand estate on the River Elbe and former home of fashion supremo, Karl Lagerfeld.
Villa Jako, located only 20 minutes away from Hamburg city centre in the old fisherman’s village of Blankense. Hamburg rests directly on the River Elbe, down river from the Port of Hamburg where ships, big and small, flow through this 2 kilometre wide part of the Elbe.
Originally built c.1922-23 for a local businessman and bachelor, Mr Witte, the home was more famously owned in the 90’s by another of Hamburg’s son’s, fashion supremo, Karl Largerfeld. Karl, during his time in the house, carefully redesigned the interiors with influences from the ‘20’s and Art Deco period to create a stunning masterpiece, so much so that Karl used the house and parkland on several occasions to promote a perfume range, namely “Jako” and also for a number of his photographic works as illustrated in his book, “Ein Deutsches Haus”. Designed by Walther Baedeker, popular with the wealthy of the time, took inspiration from Greek and Roman styles as the main focus for the house and superbly managed to mix style with understated grandeur.
The house measuring approximately 500 mt. sq. affords a wealth of living space with soaring 6 metre high ceilings, a wonderful galleried vestibule over the entrance hall and a grand “Garden Hall” measuring 87mt. sq. with doors leading to the beautiful gardens and park. The overall plot size is substantial at 12,000 mt. sq. The accommodation continues over 3 floors with 15 rooms to include 7 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms and 2 kitchens.
The interiors are ornate with marble and handpainted walls and the two storey impluvium, following the vestibule, is pure Roman. Originally roofless, the water was gathered in the rectangular pond that is now covered (as well as the roof by a glass cupola). There is also a Chinese salon, with an adjacent guest bathroom, designed by famed French designer, Andre Putman.
The Garden Hall is the main feature of the ground floor and stretches over the full width of the villa. The walls are structured by marble pilasters inspired by the Pegasus capitals of the Mars-Ultor temple in the Augustus Forum in Rome. The ceiling is wood with interesting carvings, gold-plated and crowned by a huge porcelain chandelier, undoubtedly one of the grandest private rooms of its size in Hamburg.
The house and its private park are on the list of historic monuments in Hamburg, it’s therefore not surprising that Karl Lagerfeld once famously said that this was the most beautiful house he ever owned.
- 12,000 m2 plot
- 500 mt. sq. living space
- 3 floors
- 15 rooms
- 7 bedrooms
- 6 bathrooms
- Stately Garden Hall
- 6m high ceilings
- Wine cellar
- Gas heating
- Security system
Guide Price: €10,000,000
For more information and full property details call 800 Hamptons (800 4267 8667) or email enquiries@hamptonsuae.com