Alternative living for German-speakers over 60
Hedwig-Schenkel-Haus Italy: Create your home in a community where shared values, joy and independence are key.
Preparing to move forward
Despite the Covid-19 virus being spread throughout Europe, a German-speaking community is planning its future in Italy. In early 2023 the Hedwig-Schenkel-Haus will open its doors to 30 mature people who will be enjoying their collective life experience together. We will be sharing the joys and sorrows because we tend towards harmony and spirituality, rather than subscribing to outlandish ideologies or constant rules. We are keen to create bonds with others in our new home as well as local residents of our Italian village.
German musician Clueso sings about new beginnings
Of course you will still stay in touch with family and friends: we invite them to visit and appreciate the happiness that comes from the homely and beautiful surroundings of the Hedwig-Schenkel-Haus. Project manager Manuela Schenkel will be inviting the first applications from potential residents in 2021. The official opening is scheduled for September 27th, 2023: to commemorate the birthday of the name giver, whose ideals and values inspired our project.
There is always something going on at Hedwig-Schenkel-Haus. Together we will undertake excursions, bike tours, hikes, DIY projects, painting, yoga and so much more. These activities will also be available to people taking time-out, or to visiting friends and relatives. We offer recreation in spectacular nature, provide well-equipped sports facilities, have plenty of trees and quiet spaces where one can just sit and ‘be’.
Building this community will feel like a fresh start. When children have flown the nest or a professional career has ended, people in the prime of their lives often feel lonely, life may lack purpose. We don’t believe it should be this way! At the Hedwig-Schenkel-Haus we support one another and provide the freedom to explore new horizons in the safety of community. We lead fulfilling lives into advanced age, certain that our lifestyle choices will inspire others to do the same. As of September 2020, we have already secured our first investors, people who can see the value of this project and understand that a profitable return can be made also.
Connections new and old
Moving into the Hedwig-Schenkel-Haus does not mean leaving behind your old life, but the embracing of both old and new. A secure home without the responsibility for keeping a house, where you come and go as you please, and invite family and friends to share this with you in the beautiful surroundings of historical Italian villages.
There is no I in team. For this community, we are looking for sociable people who are genuinely intersted in others and happy being part of the wider collective group. This is one sure fired way to avoid the loneliness that may occur in our lives. As are the sociable conversations and activities keeping us fresh as we mature in age. Along with this communal vision we would also pay attention to close, fruitful ties with our Italian neighbours.
Hedwig-Schenkel-Haus Newsletter
Italy






Some people may move to budget retirement complexes in Thailand or Bulgaria when they retire. Others may prefer higher-end residences anywhere in southern Europe. So why did we decide to establish the Hedwig-Schenkel-Haus in Italy?
Everything Italian has an extra level of allure in Germany, from art and culture through to music and food. A Mediterranean diet is said to be one of the healthiest options available for longevity, whilst the beautiful landscapes of northern and central Italy provide a feast for the eyes and nourishment for the soul. Your new home could be located in the mild climates of Emilia-Romagna, Liguria, Tuscany or Veneto.
Sharing festivities and events fosters mutual understanding between people of different cultures. Food and drink are great ways to strengthen ties. The Italian pastas, pesto, olive oils and of course wine amongst many other delicacies, easily sourced in local markets, may tempt our taste buds. And in return we can share homemade jams and authentic German bread. People from the local area will be assured of ongoing work in our residential complex and neighbours are always welcome at the Hedwig-Schenkel-Haus.
Facilities
Members of the community are encouraged to be directly involved in choosing the décor and furnishings of all communal spaces. Obviously, those who sign up at the start will have a greater influence over these design choices. But because this is your home, all residents are welcome to offer suggestions for ongoing improvements.
Room sizes will depend upon the layout of the property selected. The idea is to offer a one-bedroom accommodation, possibly with an additional living/sitting area, and all with a fully fitted en-suite bathroom. We hope that the idea of a simple, comfortable and individualised private living space will appeal. Some basic furniture can be provided on request, but the decoration and style will entirely be to your personal taste.
The communal living, kitchen and activity spaces will be more agreeable to larger gatherings. There will be a library for quiet reading, a music room complete with piano, shared spaces for woodcrafts, sewing, crafting and a TV room. Amenities for swimming or gym shall be also available and, depending upon people’s preferences, full access to Wi-Fi. Whilst the cleanliness of your private space will be your own matter (as long as you have capacity), shared areas will be looked after predominantly by staff members.
Hedwig-Schenkel-Haus Newsletter
2021
- Resident applications
- Securing further investors and optimising investment planning
- Preparation, conceptual design and implementation of the project in a team that includes future residents
2022
- Networking between future residents
- Selection of a managing director to support the project manager
- Property purchase and renovation
- Establishment of gardens and areas for farming
2023
- Employment of local staff
- Completion of building works and moving in
- Opening ceremony on September 27th, 2023
- Start of guest visits and time-out retreats
Project details
Manuela Schenkel leads this residential project for people over 60 and invests her own capital through Hedwig Schenkel Limited. This company has been registered in her hometown of Birmingham, U.K. The procurement of suitable investors is underway and she currently has several people who have pledged their support and financial backing. With a background in business management, Manuela is certain that this project will appeal to many more financial investors over the coming year.
For the purpose of ongoing project monitoring and integrity, a Managing Director will be appointed. They will be paid a salary and live as part of the community. If this sounds like a challenge that you would love to take on, please send an application to: manuela@altersglueck-wg.de
The first 30 permanent residents to be successful in their application for this project will pay a monthly fee for tenancy and services. These charges will include all communal meals and potential care provided at a later stage in their tenancy. Additional income that will be generated by guests staying – in particular from those under the time-out offer – is then reinvested into the running costs of the project. Some residents will receive rewards if they take on responsibility for running parts of the project, including: Organising leisure activities and looking after guests, managing the fruit and vegetable farming, overseeing the kitchen, or taking care of maintenance and repairs.
Both German and UK investors are providing the start-up funds for the Hedwig-Schenkel-Haus. The returns expected for a medium-term investment substantially exceed typical interest rates in both countries. Serious investors are welcome to apply for current figures on returns. Shortly before we conclude the property purchase, a more accurate calculation will be made available, alongside a detailed forecast of expected financial gains. Are you inspired by the Hedwig-Schenkel-Haus project? If so, please contact us for the opportunity to get involved or to explore potential investment rewards.