Under the roof of a Wilhelminian-style building on a tree-lined street, 36 apartments gather to represent an unconventional and distinctly Berlin concept of luxury. Guests of the Gorki won’t find a lobby behind the heavy front door. Instead, the path leads through a lushly overgrown courtyard to the stylishly homely reception, reminiscent of the comforts of a private residence.
Like Berlin, the Gorki is full of history. The building was erected at the beginning of the 20th century. Weinbergsweg 25 was the address of a whole series of personalities. During the Weimar Republic and the Golden Twenties, the house was especially popular with theater actors. In the back of the house there was a car radiator plumber’s shop until the 1950s. Although the house was not badly damaged during World War II, it fell into disrepair after the Berlin Wall was built in 1961. Almost 50 years passed before the current owners of the Gorki bought and restored the house, so that today it shines again in its former glory.
In collaboration with the architectural firm Fuchshuber & Partner, French-German architect Sandra Pauquet worked with Kim Wang and team to breathe new life into the historic building. The Gorki features a combination of unplastered walls, high ceilings, original stucco, and an open floor plan typical of Berlin apartments. The 34 apartments and two penthouses represent Sandra Pauquet’s unique vision of unconventional luxury. A youthful and dynamic spirit permeates the Gorki on all five floors.
The nine different floor plans are divided into three categories, called “Kategorkis,” and are spread over four floors in two buildings. Kategorki 1 and 2B apartments face the street, are the most spacious, and each has a separate kitchen, dining room, and balconies from which to watch the bustle of the vineyard walkway. All other apartments overlook the quiet courtyard.
As a tribute to the building’s former residents, traditional room numbers have been omitted. Instead, each apartment is assigned to a fictional person such as Lea Grün or Herr Günther, and the respective name is also engraved on the key. Guests live under pseudonyms, remaining anonymous and virtually undisturbed if they wish. Equipped with a doorbell and mailbox, each apartment feels like a second home or the home of a stylish friend – but also offers all the comforts of a luxury hotel, from comprehensive concierge service to daily cleaning.
Indulgence has many faces at the Gorki. All apartments offer luxurious rainforest showers, and many are also equipped with oversized bathtubs. Design classics by Eiermann, Tom Dixon, Hansen and Knoll mix with vintage finds from Berlin flea markets and contemporary pieces from around the world to create the apartments’ wonderful homey feel.
The crowning fifth floor of the grandiose building consists of two penthouse suites that are the ultimate expression of modern luxury. Combining Berlin’s unpolished character with Parisian sophistication, they offer ample space and exemplify the interplay of comfort and style. French stylist Isabella Baudry assisted Sandra Pauquet in designing the penthouses.
The open-plan design enhances the loft-like character of the two penthouses. Penthouse 1 in the front building offers over 200 square meters of space with three bedrooms, including a master suite, two bathrooms, a living and dining area with an attached balcony facing the side street, an open kitchen, laundry room, gallery, and a 35-square-meter roof terrace with views over the city. Penthouse 2 in the back of the building covers 180 square meters with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, an open plan living, dining and kitchen area with an attached balcony, library, laundry room and a 15 square meter roof terrace. The two penthouses can be connected by a hidden door – ideal for larger events or groups of friends visiting the Gorky. Sofas by Caravane, top-of-the-line household appliances, various design objects, and custom furnishings by Kim Wang and Sandra Pauquet, as well as Gorki’s in-house carpenter, round it all out.
Just a few steps from Rosenthaler Platz, right in the heart of Berlin-Mitte, Gorki offers guests a glimpse into the “Berlin of Berliners.” With fantastic galleries, numerous cafes, stylish boutiques and some of the city’s best restaurants in close proximity, the Gorki is the perfect base from which to explore Berlin.
