Berlin
A house for artists
You may well catch sight of it from the train - a tall, angular edifice wedged beside the railway track that slices across Fasanenstrasse.
The brick and carved stone give it an oddly gothic air, and if you think it's a building that begs further investigation - you'd be right.
The St Lukas Artists' residence (Künstlerhaus St. Lukas) was built between 1889-90 in order to house, exactly as its name suggests, a small community of Berlin's artists.
Constructed in an appropriately eclectic style, the exterior abounds in quirky detail: stone animal skulls protrude from carved garlands; a bust of Titian overlooks the imposing entranceway; a balcony sports mock-mediaeval escutcheons.
The real jewel, however, is the inner courtyard, an elaborately conceived interior space complete with a fountain and lush foliage.
Although this private garden sanctum is sadly out of bounds to curious visitors, it's possible to get a good view of it by peering through the gates.
Tantalising, certainly - and of course a little frustrating.
But if you happen to be in the area (which is likely, given its proximity to many of Berlin's most popular attractions) it's definitely worth taking a peek at an enchanting example of hidden, historic Berlin.
See also:
Hidden surprises at the Literaturhaus Cafe
A secret garden
Berlin's parrots
Künstlerhaus St. Lukas: Fasanenstraße 13 10623 Berlin
