Historical Overview
With the rapid rise of tuberculosis at the end of the 19th century and the associated high death rates, there was an enormous need for treatment in Germany and many other parts of the world. This required new medical concepts and facilities. Particularly in the industrialized areas and coal mining regions of Brandenburg, the Industrial Revolution, with its poor air quality and high population density, led to the rapid spread of the disease.
Since there were no effective medications or well-established scientific knowledge at the time, medicine relied on treatment through rest and fresh air, ideally in isolated, forested areas. Expansive forests provided the perfect conditions for the construction of special tuberculosis sanatoriums that could accommodate large numbers of patients and function largely autonomously.
The former lung sanatorium for women of the Brandenburg State Insurance Institution, located south of Cottbus, is one of the last major, developable properties from this era. Despite later renovations in the 1970s when the facility was used as a rehabilitation clinic until its closure in 2007, the site still conveys an authentic and largely preserved image of its original design and its medical-historical significance.
Discover an unique heritage site
Like many other sanatoriums, the Kolkwitz Lung Sanatorium was influenced by the reform movements of the turn of the century, particularly Art Nouveau and the garden city movement. It was considered a flagship project of the medical field at the time and played a central role in the public healthcare system of the region. Light, spacious rooms, and the harmonious integration of nature were seen as essential elements that promoted the well-being and quality of life of the patients.
Due to its castle-like, representative architecture, the clinic is occasionally referred to as a "castle" on old postcards.
Main Building
Architect of the Kolkwitz Lung Sanatorium was the Prussian land building inspector Theodor Goecke, who also designed similar facilities. He created the representative central building with long side wings, flanked on the park side by two corner towers. The brick facades, partly featuring integrated timber framing, are divided by a decorative frieze and a roof cornice. In the central axis, there are two loggias on both the front and park sides, arranged symmetrically.
The U-shaped courtyard side is dominated on the right by the chapel, which forms the heart of the main building. The original stained-glass windows have been partially stored for protection. The entire architectural detailing, including Art Nouveau paintings, inscriptions, and the gallery, is in overall good condition.
Along the axis of the side wings, there are two large staircases with decorative windows and column frames. The staircase on the west side includes a central elevator.
In addition to the long corridors, the building features a large dining hall and former patient and treatment rooms. Extensions and alterations from its later use as a rehabilitation clinic complement the ensemble.
According to current planning, up to 62 independent apartments with areas ranging from 50 to 120 square meters could be created in this central main building.
Outbuildings
- Doctors' Villas and Staff Housing
Along the access road and surrounding the main complex, seven residential buildings for doctors and clinic staff are grouped, varying in condition, with some being of a more representative design. All buildings are in need of extensive renovation.
- Therapy Building
A therapy building adjoins the courtyard side to the east. It is a simple brick structure with some visible timber framing. The building has previously been approved for conversion into six residential units.
Additional Outbuildings
For the outbuildings listed here, demolition and new construction permits may be granted.
- Former laundry building to the east of the clinic: Destroyed by a fire in 2021.
- Open resting halls in the forested areas.
- Several storage and garage buildings in basic construction.
Current Building Condition
Since 2013, a local property management team has been responsible for maintaining and securing the buildings, as well as caring for the grounds. The main building is in solid condition, considering its vacancy status. The listed monument status offers also international property investors significant tax advantages on all renovation costs through the so called 7h/7i depreciation in Germany.
Park
The parkland located in front and behind the main building, featuring a roundel and pathways, covers an area of 16.4 hectares. Designated areas allow for new construction, which could significantly enrich the future use concept.
Future Use
The current plan envisions the development of a large senior housing complex with over 115 barrier-free apartments and an extensive range of medical services, complemented by several new development plots. Most of the required permits have already been granted but may need to be re-applied for. Other feasible projects include:
- Innovation center for sustainable and technological developments for companies and startups, including the integration of service offerings, conference rooms, event spaces, co-working spaces, and residential areas.
- Construction of an event and wellness hotel or a large bed and breakfast, benefiting from the location, character and scale of the property.
- Center for sustainable agriculture or ecological projects with educational, research and leisure facilities, including nature and recreation areas.
- Exclusive residential complex with listed condominium apartments.
Additionally, various mixed-use options are possible, which could also be implemented through partial sales.
Partial Sale of Individual Parcels
- Three plots along the access road with four residential buildings. These can either be demolished or renovated. A hotel complex has already been planned for this area.
- A plot to the east of the main building with a fire-damaged ruin, which can be used for any type of development.
- The main building with parkland on a total area of approximately 15 hectares.
Location, Surroundings, and Infrastructure
The property is situated in a tranquil location within a forest area in Kolkwitz, a district of Cottbus, approximately 8 km away from the city.
Nearby, you'll find a residential neighborhood, a small garden colony, a remnant of the former NVA (National People's Army) with a bunker museum and a company area. All surrounding facilities do not cause noise or odor pollution, ensuring that both the living and air quality remain unaffected. During winter months, the A15 highway, located about 700 meters to the south, may be faintly audible at times.
There is an hourly bus connection on-site. The nearest international airports are in Berlin and Dresden, both of which are easily accessible. The area is equipped with high-speed internet.
Cottbus is home to the largest hospital in Brandenburg and since 2024, the city also hosts a newly established university clinic, ensuring excellent medical care.
The region offers a diverse range of recreational, cultural, and leisure opportunities, including the Spreewald, the Lausitzer Lake District and many historical sites, making it an important tourist destination.
Distances:
- Lübben in the Spreewald: approx. 45 km
- Dresden: approx. 110 km
- Potsdam and Berlin: approx. 130 km
- Frankfurt/Oder: approx. 80 km
- Border to Poland at Frankfurt/Oder: approx. 95 km
- Border to the Czech Republic: approx. 240 km
Detailed Exposé and Viewing
Please request the comprehensive exposé based on the existing planning, which contains detailed information and estimates of the investment costs.
Viewings are only possible after prior contact and for qualified interested parties.
We kindly ask that you refrain from independent visits and emphasize that this property is not, as stated elsewhere on the internet, a "Lost Place."
The property is fenced. The responsible property management has been instructed to report any unauthorized access to the local police in order to prevent vandalism and unwanted tourism.
