Building owner receives funding from the district programme "Old buildings"

As part of the "Renovate and reuse old buildings" programme, the district has handed over a grant to Joana Stracke from Herzhausen.

1 July 2024

Joana Stracke's parents' house in Herzhausen is not only a recognised cultural monument, but is also in the very best location. Only a small neighbouring plot of land and the lakeside promenade separate the house from Lake Edersee - a stone's throw away from trips on her own boat or water sports. It's no wonder that the young woman is not drawn to faraway places for training and work, but wants to keep the centre of her life at home. To this end, she wants to convert the former barn of the elongated farm complex, to which her parents' house belongs, into a two-storey flat, additionally enhanced by a terrace overlooking the garden. The upper floor and attic will become her new home, while the ground floor will continue to be used as a garage and workshop.

The young building owner has now received support from the district's funding programme for the renovation of old buildings. First District Councillor and Head of Building Karl-Friedrich Frese handed over a grant notification for 25,000 euros, the highest possible amount the programme has to offer. "This is exactly what we want to achieve with this funding: the conversion of old buildings into modern living space, the elimination of vacancies and thus also the revitalisation of the town centres," said Frese, praising Joana Stracke's renovation plans.

By extending an existing building instead of building a new one, the young owner is also helping to prevent further land sealing. This is just as important to her as planning for the future right next to the house where she spent her childhood and youth. Living where others go on holiday has its own special appeal. Building director Frese agrees: "We need to move away from new builds and first look at where in our villages and towns there is an opportunity to renovate what already exists." After all, nobody wants to be exposed to the unsightly sight of a decaying town centre when driving into a new development area.


Keywords:

Housing Refurbishment and funding Preservation of historical monuments in Waldeck-Frankenberg