We are Barbara Hofer and Andreas Paul Wolf, and together with Andreas’s parents we run a family farm focused on agriculture and forestry.
Organic farming is truly close to our hearts and has been practiced on our farm since 1989. Forestry is our main line of work. The agricultural side is centered around our herd of 30 mother cows, their calves, and our bull Fernando.
In our forest management, we rely on the natural power of regeneration, working primarily with natural reforestation and allowing deadwood to remain in the forest. The many towering old trees are a testament to the careful and responsible use of resources over generations. In 2013, we built the “Kuahotel” for our cattle—a barn that exceeds legal requirements by far. On our organic farm, we strive to see the environment as our partner, as we are an integral part of it. We are on a journey in a world that is only borrowed from future generations. Walk a part of this path with us.
The Wolfbauerhof dates back to the year 1280, when it was still known as Stadlowe. The name Wolf was first mentioned in 1448, and the farm name “Wolfpauer” can be traced back to 1663. The grain storage building constructed in 1683, which later formed the basis of today’s House 1683, was already built under the name Wolfpauer. While the historical record is not entirely complete, at least 16 generations who have farmed this land can be clearly identified. This gives the concept of sustainability a profound meaning—without the foresight and care of the generations before us, the farm would not be what it is today. The name Paul runs like a red thread through our family history. The reason? A legend about forest women, kindness, and gratitude.
Sustainable and authentic
During the renovation of the old grain storage building, we made every effort to proceed as resource-efficiently as possible. The construction timber came from trees that had died due to bark beetle infestation, which can be seen in the partial blue discoloration of the wood. The roof was covered with clay tiles, and insulation was largely achieved using cellulose or wood fiber materials. Wherever possible and technically appropriate, we used locally sourced wood. The interior walls are finished with pure lime plaster and painted with lime paint. This can be seen as a reminiscence of the time when the grain store was originally built, as lime used to be burned in the farm’s own lime kiln.
Every room in the building is heated by underfloor heating, supplied by an air-source heat pump. Old masonry, modern technology.
In designing the house, the original building clearly set the framework. We deliberately chose not to present the craftsmen—who are all based in the region—with a fully detailed plan, but instead provided a general direction. The detailed planning was developed together, often through intensive discussions and spirited exchanges of ideas. We were truly overwhelmed by the energy and dedication everyone brought to the project, as well as by the sensitivity with which they embraced the history of the house. Working with you was a true pleasure. The result is a blend of very modern elements combined with the rustic warmth of a wooden house that is over 340 years old. But come and see for yourself.
On the first morning, I thought there was something wrong with my hearing: it was so quiet! But then I opened the window and heard it: a little stream, a gentle waterfall. As part of the art project "SCHWEIGEN & MUH", I was allowed to stay in the cottage for a while at the art-loving Wolf farm. What I remember most vividly: the scent of Swiss pine, the bathroom with its huge panoramic window, the bed, the starry sky, and, of course, the peace and quiet!
– Georg Nussbaumer –