Schönwasser Manor

At the beginning of the 18th century, an old farmhouse stood on the site of today's Haus Schönwasser. The farm was named Schoenwater (Old German for Schönwasser) and was sold around 1825 to the tobacco manufacturer Johann Helgers. Around 1830, he built a stately manor house here. The subsequent additions were built somewhat later. Ownership then changed hands until the property came into the possession of the de Greiff family through inheritance.

In 1891, the restaurateur Johann Bends acquired this property and converted it into a popular entertainment and excursion venue. As early as 1911, it came into the possession of the city of Krefeld, along with the surrounding grounds. The following years were marked by the economic decline of the once beautiful and inviting building. The reason for this was the rapid development of the city of Krefeld. The surrounding establishments fared no better; they all had to close.

In the subsequent period, the property increasingly fell into disrepair due to lack of maintenance, neglect, and the effects of war. In the post-war period, 11 families with about 38 people found temporary emergency shelter here. Around the mid-1950s, a complete demolition of the building was even considered. While much new development emerged in the immediate vicinity, Haus Schönwasser had become an eyesore. However, local politicians at the time prevented the impending demolition and made proposals for the preservation and renovation of the valuable building.

With financial support from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, the building was restored and a state study seminar for teacher training was housed there. However, there is an increasing desire from the public to establish a restaurant there again, at the entrance to the park and next to the much-visited Botanical Garden, as there once was before.