Branki Summerhouse · fireplace, sauna, quiet sea

Stūrīši & Branki is our family's Livonian homestead in Mazirbe, on the Livonian Coast, with four houses to choose between. Ours were built in 1901 and the early 1900s, and we have hosted guests here since 2007, when German travellers walked into our yard and announced they would stay the night. We couldn't send them away.

No WiFi, no traffic and not much to do - which is the point. The wild beach is a 10-minute walk through the forest, and our chef Igors, with over 25 years in the kitchen, cooks breakfasts big enough to last until lunch.

THE HOUSE:

Our Summerhouse is a family passion project: fieldstone floors, a hand-built stone fireplace, a wood-fired sauna and antique tableware you're meant to use. It stands in the garden of our 1901 Livonian homestead, inside Slītere National Park. For families and friends who want to slow down.

We built the Summerhouse as the summer retreat we had always wanted: a place so close to nature that the line between the garden and the living room softly disappears. It has two floors, each entered from outside.

Ground floor (where you will spend most of your time): living room with the stone fireplace, dining area, small kitchen, a double bedroom, toilet and shower, and the sauna.

Upper floor: one long studio room with a terrace. A king-size bed at the far end, three more beds tucked under the slope of the roof along the sides, an armchair, an antique chest for a coffee table, and two sofas by the entrance that open into comfy beds.

The house sleeps 8 if you are happy to share the upstairs. Coming as a bigger group? Message us before you book. Crib available. Free parking by the house.

The kitchen has dishes, cutlery, pots and pans. We keep salt and a few spices, and you are always welcome to borrow more from us. Just Google the Latvian name of the spice before you ask. :)

We keep the house warm, and in summer the first bundle of firewood is on us. Extra bundles are €5 each.

Food. Breakfast is €17 per person per day, cooked by Igors, our family chef with over 25 years in the kitchen. Our breakfasts are WOW, and big enough that most guests keep the leftovers for lunch. Tell us about your diet and we will cook for almost any. When local farmers bring us something good or the chef is inspired, a side dish for your dinner often appears too. On days when we host groups coming for Livonian history and food, you can join them for lunch or dinner. Just ask.

The village store, the only one within 20 km, is 2 minutes away and well stocked.

The beach. The sea is 5-15 minutes on foot. The shortest path is the busiest on summer weekends. The longer ones through the forest lead to a beach you will often have to yourselves. Please bring your own beach towels.

Guest access

The whole house is yours, with your own key, and the garden and fields are yours to wander. Someone from the family is always nearby. If Museum "Stūrīši", our 1888 homestead, isn't hosting other guests, ask us for a tour.

Interaction with guests

Gunta and Igors speak Latvian and Russian, and have mastered the art of hand gestures and keywords in German and English. For anything that needs more words, the family member who runs this account speaks English, Latvian and Russian and is there for you throughout your stay. We are around when you need us and out of the way when you don't.

Other details to note
Mazirbe is a true getaway from the world. Please read this before you book:
Water. We are by the sea, inside Slītere National Park, and draw water from our own 8 m well. Showers can't run endlessly, and now and then we switch the water off for about 3 hours to let the well refill.
No WiFi. The house has no internet, and neither does the village. Phone reception has to be earned: find your spot or the right operator and it's fast. We will show you where.
Cash. The nearest ATM is in Dundaga (20 km) or Ventspils (70 km). The village store and café take cards; for everything else, bring cash.
Price is for the whole house, not per person.
Sauna. A traditional wood-fired sauna (hot stones and steam) for stays of 3+ nights: €150. It takes a whole day to heat, so tell us early.
Season. We are open from June to mid-September, depending on the weather.
No smoking indoors. Smokers are welcome to use our marked spots outside, where there is an ashtray. We live inside a national park, so we manage fire very carefully.
Getting here. A direct bus from Riga stops in the village centre, 2 minutes from us.
Please be gentle. The furniture and tableware are historical pieces our family has saved and restored. Use them, and treat them kindly.

The Stūrīši-Branki households have been in our family for generations, and we have hosted since 2007. We are so happy to live and work in our favourite place on Earth. ♥

EXTRAS:
If we have free spaces, we are happy to take on guests who wish to stay for 1-2 nights. The price per night will be +30% more per person than detailed in the booking system.

The family of "Branki" also provides excursions, guided tours and information about the local points of interest. If ordered in advance, large groups can have a meal here - up to 160 people in the summer.

QUESTIONS?
Don't worry if you are not clear on something - we are happy to liaise with you before confirming the reservation to ensure your stay is worry-free! :)