Charlottenhof, Potsdam-Sanssouci

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In 1825, the small farmstead in Sanssouci park was put up for sale, prompting Hofmarschall von Maltzahn to inform the King of Prussia that its acquisition would enhance the grounds. Peter Joseph Lenné quickly produced a garden plan for the Crown Prince, later King Friedrich Wilhelm IV. Lenné and architect Schinkel had previously collaborated in 1816, establishing a partnership likened to the renowned collaboration between John Nash and Humphry Repton. Construction of the palace, aligned with a strict garden axis, took place from 1826 to 1829, followed by the development of the Hofgärtnerhaus and its adjacent facilities, known as the 'Roman Baths', from 1829 to 1840. The Crown Prince actively participated in planning, contributing over 100 sketches and referring to Charlottenhof as 'my Siam', symbolizing a vision for a harmonious society. This site remains Schinkel’s only fully preserved work, enveloped by Lenné’s meticulously maintained landscape garden. Heinz Schönemann, as curator, oversaw the preservation of these historic sites until retirement. Architectural photographer Reinhard Görner, respected for interpreting architectural works, contributes to a series curated by Axel Menges, who selects titles based on quality and ensures each volume begins with an engaging, scholarly essay.