The Uckermark is often called the Tuscany of the North, with gentle hills, wide meadows, forests and lakes. On the outskirts of Pinnow (Gerswalde), the Black House stands on a plot surrounded by fields and hills, with views to the horizon. For Johanna Michel and her husband Dirk Preuß, the house was a labour of love. Together with Berlin architect Thomas Kröger, the design professor and civil engineer developed a concept that puts the landscape first: a glazed ground floor open to its surroundings and a recessed base that makes the house appear to float above the meadow. The interior timber structure is stained black, complemented by continuous black mastic asphalt flooring—hence the name. The understated, tactile materials draw the eye outside to the hills, forests and sky. Much of the construction was self-built, with Dirk Preuß managing the work on site. The Black House won several awards for its architectural concept: the BDA Brandenburg Prize in 2012, the Baukulturpreis in 2013 and the “House of the Year” award in 2014. The ground floor has a six-metre-high living room with dining and cooking areas and a seating area by the fireplace, set a few steps lower. Opposite is a six-metre-high study. Between them are two alcoves, each sleeping two people and separable by sliding doors, plus a bathroom. The top floor has two further bedrooms and an additional toilet. Dogs are welcome by prior arrangement (one dog per stay). Unfortunately, other pets are not permitted.