In the 1723, Friedrich von Watteville, moved to Berthesldorf and purchased this house and property. Friedrich von Watteville became a close friend of Count Zinzendorfs during their boarding school days together in Halle. Watteville moved to Berthesldorf to support Count Zizendorfs efforts of forming a community out of the refugees who had recently settled on the his estate. It is believed that the first group of refugees who arrived from Moravia were most likely housed on Watteville’s estate in Berthesldorf, before their own house in Herrnhut was completed. Watteville met and married his wife, Johanna Sophie von Zezschwitz, in Bethelsdorf. Together with his wife Watteville helped to establish and sustain the vision for the community in Herrnhut.
The discovery that our property is linked in such a significant way to the very foundations of Herrnhut’s history is astounding to us. It deeply confirms that God has hand picked this piece of land to be set apart for his Kingdom purposes.
In the late 18th century, the house was used as the home of the forest ranger. It fell into disrepair in the mid-1900’s during the communist regime in eastern Germany, but by the year 2000 the house had been fully restored and renovated. In 2018, the Lord miraculously provided for us to purchase this historical 3-level house and the 1,2 acres of land it sits on. The house is divided into 5 separate apartments. On the top level of the building is one large apartment, which we live in a a family. On the second level there are two separate apartments. On the bottom floor there are also two apartments, one is rented out long term and the other one is used for hosting visitors and is listed on Airbnb.
In the spring of 2023, a family that had been living in our house for many years moved out. This left a vacant, two-bedroom, apartment on the second floor of our building. In prayer, we were impressed with the vision to establish a dedicated place of refuge for missionaries and Christian leaders serving in full time ministry. We began to envision the empty apartment as a place set apart for retreat, and renewal for Gods people in need of a fresh touch from heaven. In 2024, the Lord miraculously provided for us to be able to furnish the retreat apartment. Since, the summer of 2024 we have been able to host guests for times of personal retreat.
We believe that our house and property have been entrusted to us for the advancement of God’s Kingdom. From the beginning we have seen our role in this place as stewards who desire to faithfully create a life-giving home. A place that hosts the presence of God in such a way that it transforms peoples lives. We believe our home carries the potential to draw people in, family and friends alike — even strangers and be a tangible place for the gospel to come alive.
