A historic mansion in elegant Grunewald, designed by German fashion designer Pateick Hellmann, is a five-star escape from the city.

In a grand landmark mansion hidden behind tall, iron gates in West Berlin’s Grunewald district, this five-star retreat oozes luxury from the start. A checkerboard marble entrance leads to a huge lobby lounge, with high ceilings of intricately carved wood and ornate chandeliers. Gilded, Italian Renaissance-inspired rooms filled with antiques, an elegant glass-walled conservatory and beautifully landscaped gardens dotted with statues add to the palatial feel.

Built in 1914 in the style of a French palace, this magnificent villa has served as a private residence, an embassy, a naval officers’ club and later as a luxury hotel, hosting notable guests such as Romy Schneider and Paul McCartney. In 2014, Berlin-based fashion designer Patrick Hellmann acquired the property and began renovations, restoring its glorious historic details while bringing much of the design – previously done by Karl Lagerfeld in the 1990s – firmly into the 21st century.

Each of the hotel’s 43 rooms and 10 suites has a unique layout and design. Those in the Classic category retain Karl Lagerfeld’s decor – with lots of chintz and toile – while those envisioned by Patrick Hellmann have a clean, contemporary feel. The two-bedroom Kaiser Suite has a library with original frescoes, and the Karl Lagerfeld Suite on the first floor has lovely art deco touches and a stone balcony overlooking the gardens.

Green and quiet, Grunewald is a residential area of fancy houses and villas and takes its name from the neighboring Grunewald Forest, a vast green space with trees, lakes and walking paths.

Photos Courtesy of Schlosshotel Berlin by Patrick Hellmann