While often called Europe's oldest surviving timber-frame house, its true marvel lies in how it was built and preserved. Constructed using interlocking beams and secured solely with wooden pegs called trenails, the house's dark patina comes not from fire but from centuries of smoke from indoor hearths, which helped harden and preserve the wood. It initially housed 15-20 people and was part of a larger estate. In 1540, the entire structure was raised by about 1.5 meters, and a cellar was added, d