Domkirkebyen Ribe - host article

Stiftamtmandsgaarden in Ribe - Bed and Breakfast
The town of Ribe is host to the oldest high school in Denmark, and almost opposite you’ll find the former residence of the prefect, who dealt with the worldly matters of the church together with the bishop. Until 1972, the Diocese of Ribe used the buildings for administration. In 1961, an extension to the building designed by the Danish architect C.F. Møller was added. When the diocese moved away from these premises, they were renovated and turned into housing. One of these beautiful houses is now the Bed and Breakfast named Stiftsamtmandsgården. Just round the corner the Cathedral of Ribe is situated on the magnificent square. The newly renovated tile construction elevates the cathedral up above the old medieval houses. Surrounding the square are cosy shops, craft exhibitions, galleries, cafés, and restaurants. Everywhere you are greeted with a smile.

Ribe is the centre of the Nature Park Wadden Sea in the marches. The cobbled streets and the small stream with crossing bridges flowing through the town create a unique atmosphere. Not surprisingly, Ribe was given the distinction “Prettiest town of Europe” in 2014. Now back to Puggaardsstræde. Right now the lovely, old street with fabulous half-timbered houses is filled with the laughter of young people on their way home from school. When you turn the corner, however, and walk through the courtyard, you are bedazzled by a beautiful oasis decorated with flowerpots, climbing roses, and old trees. This place is filled with peace and harmony. Behind the fine, royal blue entrance door Joan and Peter stand to greet you..

We would like to invite the whole world in…
In fact, the undersigned stayed in a welcoming double room on the 1st floor viewing the courtyard and garden at Joan and Peter’s place. Here I experienced their great hospitality - and was spoilt rotten. Consequently, I had heard their story. During the last years of their full-time working life, I knew, that the couple had dreamt of inviting the whole world to their home. Joan and Peter were dreaming about opening a Bed and Breakfast, and they put their heart and soul into the project. In fact, there are many people like Joan and Peter in Ribe, doing their best to offer a helping hand and to welcome visitors to the town. If you are walking in the streets with a map and look a bit lost, the locals will come up to ask, if they can assist, instead of just passing by. You don’t need to ask.

Joan and Peter got help starting from some friends, who were already running a Bed and Breakfast in Ribe. One day a double booking occurred, and they had to find a solution quickly. They called Joan and Peter for help, as they knew about their lovely double room.

This was the start of Stiftsamtmandsgården Bed and Breakfast.
Today their enthusiasm is the driving force. We have our own home page and attract people from the whole world, just as we dreamt about, Joan explains, whilst pealing apples for the grandchild Rune, who she looks after every Wednesday. Most recently, a Japanese girl stayed at our place. She was interested in small towns and Danish furniture design. We still have mail correspondence with her. We share many good experience and joyful moments with our guests.

The money, we earn, is spent on travelling during Spring and Autumn and on other events. We enjoy the hospitality of others, when travelling, and that’s lovely, Joan smiles and lifts Rune down from the kitchen table. Now the coffee is ready, she invitingly proclaims. The coffee is accompanied by delicious cakes... guests should be spoilt!