Eight half-timbered field barns concentrated in one place, some of them lovingly restored down to the last detail: This group of barns is located on the eastern outskirts of Neubruchhausen, near the so-called Martfelder Ende. The impressive ensemble is unique in this form in Lower Saxony. The barns once belonged to the farmsteads of the Martfelder End, from which they are about 100 meters away.
There were several reasons for building these barns in such concentration on this elevated location. These included the lack of space at the farmsteads, the risk of flooding from the Hache, but above all fire protection. In the past, there was always a fire in villages and towns because there were open fireplaces in the houses. In the great fire at the end of Martfeld in 1858, all the farms were destroyed - but these barns remained intact.
And that was very important for the people, because the harvest and many agricultural implements were stored in the barns. The buildings were designed as drive-through barns: the fields on one side and the courtyards on the other. This saved the way through the village with a fully loaded car.
The oldest barn is from 1696
The barns are of different sizes, which is an indication of the size and importance of the respective owner's farm. The rough studs with the centuries-old oak beams have been preserved almost everywhere. The individual compartments were filled differently - with boards, planks, wickerwork and clay. The roofs are usually thatched. The oldest barn is more than 300 years old and dates from 1696.
Many people were involved in the construction - mainly carpenters, but also bricklayers and thatched roofers. The people then often did the infills themselves with the help of neighbors. Seven barns are now privately owned, one of which belongs to the city of Bassum. The visit is worthwhile in every season - even if it's just to take a leisurely break here.
Other Scheunenviertel mostly have museum character - but the Scheunenviertel in Neubruchhausen is alive. Some barns are still used for agriculture or as horse stables. Old agricultural machinery and tractors are housed in two barns, which are also refurbished there. Many school classes and hikers take a look at the Scheunenviertel in Neubruchhausen. Because here you can see very clearly how people used to live and work. And that “earlier” wasn't that long ago….
Translated by Google •
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