After 3 intense months of work, the period between Christmas and New Year felt like the right moment to slow down. Not far away, not remote, just a change of scenery, enough to break the rhythm and step out of our routine and just focus on the two of us.
Somewhat on a whim, we choose this Airbnb. For us, it was an unusually spontaneous and slightly atypical choice. But it turned out to be exactly right. The place itself is calm and welcoming, beautifully set in the landscape, and the surroundings—especially the views from the house—are nothing short of rewarding. This trip wasn’t about distance or spectacle. It was about breathing space, simplicity, and letting a different environment do its quiet work.

The Airbnb is located on the grounds of an old school building—already a remarkable place in itself. The building carries its history openly, with an atmosphere shaped by decades of learning, living, and quiet presence. But there is more to this place. For many years, it was the home of an artist. After his passing, his son took the building under his care and gave it new life, turning it into a space that reflects his own deep passion for Chinese culture, philosophy, and thought. That influence can be felt throughout the property, subtle but unmistakable. There is much more to say about this place—its layers, its stories, its spirit—but some things are better discovered firsthand. For those curious to go deeper, the rest of the story patiently awaits on the website.

The region is remarkably quiet, marked by a gentle pace of life. The small, authentic village of Delling lies within 10 min walking distance of the Airbnb, with its own character and sense of time standing still.  The village itself is very small but full of character. At its heart stands an old church, carefully restored or respectfully preserved, carrying its history with quiet dignity. Just a few steps away, you’ll find a solid, traditional restaurant, the kind that values simple, honest food and time-tested recipes. Which door you choose to open first is entirely up to you: the one inviting reflection, or the one promising a warm meal and conversation. Either way, the village welcomes you at its own unhurried pace.

As always, my better half was quick to seek out local products. By sheer luck, just a hundred meters away, we found a local beekeeper producing excellent honey. One item on the to-do list was ticked off almost immediately. The fact that we had forgotten to bring honey from home—for our daily cups of tea—only made the discovery feel even more timely. Another small checkbox added, and with it, the quiet satisfaction that comes from simple, local finds that fit perfectly into the rhythm of the place.
Kürten lies in the gentle hills of the Bergisches Land, just east of Cologne, where forests, fields, and small villages shape a calm, rural landscape. Rather than a single town center, Kürten is a constellation of quiet hamlets connected by winding roads, hiking paths, and long views over green valleys. Life here moves at a measured pace, closely tied to nature and the seasons, making it a place where space, silence, and simplicity are part of everyday experience. Rooted in history yet distinctly unhurried, Kürten offers a balance between proximity to the city and immersion in the countryside.

Photos © Niko Caignie