Eppstein

Eppstein is a very safe, residential community between Frankfurt (30 km) and Wiesbaden (20 km).  Commuters appreciate the direct, half-hour train connection to Frankfurt's city center; travelers can go by train from there to nearly any European destination.  

The romantic ruins of Eppstein's castle, built by the influential Lords of Eppstein in the twelfth century, and the half-timbered houses in the Alt-Eppstein town center give it an Old World flair.  In the nineteenth century, Eppstein was a popular spa town, known for its good air quality (Luftkurort).  The local Taunus hills are still a popular destination for hikers and mountain bikers. 

  

For activities in Eppstein and the Rhine-Main area, see my blog "Living in Eppstein" (http://www.living-in-eppstein.blogspot.com).

Views from our balcony

The views from our balcony were what sold us on the house when we were house-hunting ten years ago. We love living in the hills of the Taunus, and particularly living on the "sunny side" of Eppstein-Vockenhausen with sun streaming in from morning until evening on sunny days.

Our home

Ours is a three-story home in Eppstein-Vockenhausen, built in the 70's and extensively renovated in 2000.  It is situated on a hillside, with a large balcony facing south and a smaller balcony facing southwest.   

A large family can take advantage of all three floors--the five bedrooms (two of which we use as offices), three bathrooms, spacious living room on the main floor, and playroom on the top floor.  A couple or single person can live comfortably on the main floor with its kitchen, dining area, living room, office, and two bedrooms, and close off the other two floors to be used only as needed.  

A downstairs "granny flat" has a separate entrance.

The house is located on a quiet residential street within close walking distance to the local playground, kindergarten, and schools.  It's a ten-minute walk to the center of town with its grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, dry cleaners, and small shops.

Living room (main floor)

The spacious living room opens out onto a large balcony, which faces south and overlooks the valley. 

Dining area (main floor)

A long wooden table fits perfectly into the dining area.  The tiles have underfloor heating.

Entrance area (main floor)

An artistic craftsman created the tile pattern in the center of the main floor in 2000.

Kitchen (main floor)

The kitchen is a traditional "Einbauküche," so the refrigerator, freezer, and dishwasher are behind cabinet doors. We like the cheery blue/white checked tiles with white cabinets.

Office (main floor)

Start the morning with a cup of tea and a book on the chaise lounge next to the window.  

Later you can write at the desk and use the printer/scanner/copier as needed.  

Master bedroom (main floor)

Enjoy opening the windows wide and hearing the birds sing in the morning.  

Eppstein is a "Luftkurort," which means its air is particularly fresh and healthful.

Children's bedroom (main floor)

The pirate's bunk bed is popular with children.  The glass door opens onto the back yard.  

Bathrooms (main floor)

We love the sky blue tiles and sponge-painted ceiling of the family bathroom.  It has both a tiled shower and full-size bathtub.  Halogen lights dot the ceiling.  

Our tile setter had fun 

being creative with the half bath 

near the front entrance.  

Bedroom (upstairs)

The upstairs bedroom is the ideal retreat for a teenager or guests.  It has a double bed, desk, and weightlifting bench.

Playroom (upstairs)

Use the playroom for creative projects or as an additional bedroom with its twin bed, desk, and pull-out sofa.  

You can enjoy sunsets from the adjoining balcony.

Bathroom (upstairs)

This is our "retro bathroom"--the only one still from the 70's.  It has a full bath with shower screen.

Downstairs: fitness room, office

Feel free to use the treadmill...

or do your work down here away from the rest of the family.

Downstairs: laundry room

The laundry room with washer and condenser dryer is sunny and large.

Living in Eppstein blog

For more information about activities in Eppstein and the Rhine-Main area, see my blog www.living-in-eppstein.blogspot.com.  

Some activities to do in Eppstein:

• Visit the Eppstein Castle
• Tour the Old Town
  
• Hike to the Kaisertempel
• Walk to the Villa Anna
  
• Enjoy a meal at Pflasterschisser
• Take a short hike to the Neufville Tower
  
• Take a 5 km hike to Waldgaststätte Gundelhard