Farm of Wittigkofen Castle at Melchenbühlweg 139

About the building

Melchenbühlweg is part of the old route that led from Bern through Haspelgasse to the Bernese Oberland. Along it, in rolling country, lies the Wittigkofen estate, first mentioned as early as the 13th century and later owned by various families of Bernese councillors. Where Wittigkofenweg meets Melchenbühlweg stands the farmhouse at number 139. It is an important part of this country seat.

The farm received its present form in 1751. In the middle of the 18th century the lord of the castle, Johann Rudolf von Wurstemberger, had the buildings of the estate remodelled in Baroque style, and he is also considered the probable client for the farmhouse. No architect is known. The core is a timber-post building on a masonry ground floor under a steep, massive roof that is hipped by a quarter at the narrow ends. The south-west gable is built in masonry and rendered, with quoins and a base of sandstone.

Afterwards the farm grew with the business. Extensions followed in 1873, 1893 and 1902. The stables along the long sides, in exposed brick, date from 1893 and have tall barn doors with a loosely fitted plank wall above. In 1922 a two-storey cross wing was added on the north-east side, its timber-framed upper floor standing on a board-clad wooden structure. This extension now dominates the overall impression and slightly blurs the original form. The main building itself has essentially survived.

Together with barn no. 137D and the large chestnut tree between them, the farm matters for the appearance of the estate. Despite the nearby housing, much open land with groups of trees and oaks along the paths has survived around the castle. The writer Rudolf von Tavel, who lived nearby, set several of his stories at the castle. If you visit the farm, look out for the old chestnut tree that stands between farmhouse and barn.

Researched and summarised by Bärn Kit. Sources: Bauinventar der Stadt Bern: Melchenbühlweg 139 · Bauinventar der Stadt Bern: Baugruppe Schloss Wittigkofen · Wikipedia (de): Schloss Wittigkofen · Wikidata Q139079157