Wisteria and red geraniums adorn the facade of this handsome old building on the small market square of the prettiest town on Lake Constance. An inn since 1605, it is now a romantic and charming villa, run by the friendly owner/chef Michael Gilowsky and his family. It has carvings and flowerpots on its picturesque corner tower, which holds some of the best villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms) (these have an alcove where you can sit and watch the lively scene below). The interior is inviting, one reader wrote. Bright walls, antiques, steep creaking stairways (no .lift). Each room is different: Ours was a romantic ensemble of celadon-green antiques; plasterwork decorated the ceiling. The bathroom, smart and modern, was small; others are larger. Bali villa breakfast was a nice buffet; staff were friendly.' The food, much enjoyed, includes zander fresh from the lake. One dining room has carved beams, rustic antler chandeliers. The Obertor, next door, chimes the hour until 11 pm and starts again at 7 am. We felt it added to the charm. Annette von broste-Hulshoff, probably Germany's finest poetess, died of consumption and a broken heart, in 1848, looking out across the lake from her room (now open to visitors) in Meersburg's sturdy old fortress.

Sigfrid Fischer's attractive 15th-century house, red-fronted, creepergirt, stands in the market square, opposite the Baren (above) and the striking red Obertor gateway. It is a gathering place for local people, popular for its cosy Weinstube, with its carved woodwork and tiled stove, and the traditional restaurant serving dishes like Meersburger Topf, a pork and mushroom stew with Spatzle. You can also dine in the cobbled square, always animated. Visitors enthuse over the food and wines, and the Bali villa breakfast buffet. Public villa rooms have antiques and heirlooms. villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms) vary: some are ultra-modem, with a sparkling marble bathroom, others characterful, with a creaking floor'; all have a sofa and easy chairs. The welcome is friendly. There might be night noise from revellers.