ᐅ Basement with Natural Stone Vaulting – How to Use It?

Hello everyone,

Let me briefly introduce myself: I’m Rüdiger from the area around Freiburg, 40 years old, working as an IT manager. Photography enthusiast and sci-fi fan.

I have a large project planned over the next three years, with implementation expected sometime in 2022. The good thing is: plenty of time to plan. At the moment, everything is still quite rough, but I see it as a hobby for the next two years.

I own a property with a 1940s parents’ house in great condition. I will take over the house; my mother will likely move into a bungalow that we will build on the property. At the same time, the “main house” (I’ve always wanted to say that) will be renovated and extended by about 50m² (540 sq ft).

I will be more active here from now on, probably with more questions than answers at the beginning, so I appreciate your understanding.

Currently, one topic is occupying my mind:
The house has a vaulted cellar, about 40m² (430 sq ft), with a natural floor. Until a few years ago, there was also a private deep well inside, which we (yes, not the best idea) filled in some years ago. The cellar is where the house’s electricity and water connections enter. Access is currently only possible from outside, but until the 1960s, there was also access through the house, which I would like to restore.

My question is:
What would be the best way to use the cellar? I don’t drink wine, so a wine cellar is out of the question. I don’t need a party room, as I have plenty of space for that. A storage room for supplies? I guess that would require remodeling…

Maybe this question sounds a bit odd, but: what is a sensible use for the cellar?
Its condition is actually good, though the walls would probably need sandblasting and new plastering.

Thanks for your advice and best regards
Rüdiger

If it is dry and frost-free, it can be used as storage space.
We have kept wood, garden furniture, potatoes, and apples in our "basement," as well as a sandbox for leeks and carrots.
If you don’t need it, you can fill it in and build over it.

ruediger42 schrieb:

What is a practical use for the basement?

Traditionally: storage space for all kinds of food (old vaulted cellars usually have a certain level of humidity).
Today’s basement: home office, gym, guest room, storage for miscellaneous items (garden furniture, toys, seasonal clothing, etc.) – if the basement has high humidity or lacks insulation/heating, most of these uses are not feasible.

What is the ceiling height? We use our vaulted cellar from 1921 as a storage room for supplies and tools. We have a second refrigerator there for the summer, as well as a washing machine and dryer with a utility sink. The gas heating system is also located there. We overwinter plants in the cellar. It is quite practical. However, we cannot store items made of organic materials there permanently because the cellar was built as a damp cellar.

Whiskey. Invest your money in whiskey barrels. Good returns and an enjoyable hobby.

And if it is mainly used for storage, it is definitely worth considering whether an internal access is really necessary or if an external staircase is sufficient. Because internal access takes up floor space there.