When Constanze and her husband Daniel first looked at the old horse changing station in Hetzerath, they were immediately impressed. The 200-year-old building was getting on in years, but the two immediately recognized the well-preserved historic structure. In addition, many things were still preserved that told of the history of the house. The two are art historians, skilled craftsmen and have a heart for historic preservation. Of course, they see such a building with their own eyes. The house with outbuildings, large barn and garden was relatively inexpensive. But the renovation cost twice as much as the purchase price - not counting the many hours of personal labor. The two bought the house at the end of 2017, and moved into the building site six months later. Then it took another year and a half until it was halfway homey. The finishing was to be ecological - with clay plaster on the walls. At the same time, wall heating was installed, and underfloor heating in other rooms. In addition, the preservation of historical monuments played an important role - because many things were to be restored to how they once looked, which was important to the two art historians. This included, above all, the exterior façade and the windows. The experience with the preservation of historical monuments was consistently positive, says Constanze: "You have to adhere to certain rules, but you still have enough design leeway." For example, many specifications were made when building the transom windows. In terms of heat and noise protection, they are nevertheless up to date. Only change and rebuild as much as necessary - leave as much history in the house as possible. That is Constanze and Daniel's motto. Old doors with elaborate fillings, sinks made of sandstone or the painted wallpaper that can still be found in several layers on the walls - they all tell of the past and should therefore be preserved. In the bathroom, Constanze made no compromises. She wanted a wooden floor and a tadelakt surface in the Moroccan style. This involves applying shell limestone, smoothing it, and then compacting and polishing it with a gemstone. The surface has high strength, is waterproof and has a matte sheen. This has always been Constance's dream and she made it a reality for herself. So today the house is technically up to date and at the same time full of memorabilia from the time when the coachmen changed their horses in the barn, received their papers in the present residential house, had something to eat and probably spent the night. There used to be a lot going on in the old carriage station. And then there is the barn. A huge building that is also a listed building. A long crack in the front facade is conspicuous, and at first it looks threatening. But the crack can already be seen in a photo from the 1980s and has not widened since then - so it is obviously less dangerous than expected. Nevertheless, Constanze and Daniel will also take care of it as soon as there is time. What they want to do with the huge barn later on, they don't really know yet. Perhaps an event space for parties, theater performances or concerts - dreams of the future! For the old carriage station, a new era has begun with the two new owners. First a carriage station, then a farm, then a private home, and maybe someday a venue? Who knows - with each new resident, the wheel of history continues to turn. A film by Markus Bundt (editor), Stephanie Vier (camera), Yannick Gaul (sound) and Diana Kalb (editing). 00:00 Former carriage station restored. 00:29 Kitchen 01:51 Dining room 03:45 Hallway 04:46 Living room 06:00 Guest room 07:20 Front door 08:13 Outdoor area 10:16 Bedroom 10:54 Bathroom 12:07 Study