Isabella Mueller Baroness of Stainton le Vale
The town of Eppingen in the heart of the Kraichgau region looks back on over 1000 years of history and is known beyond the region’s borders for its half-timbered houses, which have earned it the nickname “half-timbered town.” Eppingen is also home to the oldest half-timbered house in the entire Kraichgau region, the baker’s house, which dates back to 1412. Not far from it is the Baumann House, which was built in 1582 by butcher and cattle dealer Hans Ziemer. It is considered the most important town house in the entire Kraichgau region and, with its profiled cornices, gargoyles, and decorative elements, predominantly featuring Renaissance carvings, also one of the most beautiful. A house spirit is said to still live in this old town, which is characterized by magnificent half-timbered houses. According to legend, a man was walking through the Eppinger Forest at night. Suddenly, he heard a bellowing sound and discovered a milk calf lying all alone in a ditch. He took it to his cart and brought it home with him, where he put it in his stable. Before going to bed, he wanted to check on the calf one last time. But it had disappeared without a trace. Then, out of nowhere, the ghost of a very old woman appeared and told him not to be afraid of her, because she would not harm him. She told him that she had been floating between heaven and earth for many years and could not be redeemed because an evil curse weighed upon her. For this reason, her form sometimes transformed into a dog, a sheep, or a calf. She explained to him that from now on she would have to stay at his home, because he had brought her there, as the curse demanded. But she would not disturb him and would be content with a small corner. The man took pity on the ancient spirit and had a special box made for it, in which the spirit still lives in the old half-timbered house to this day. Such is the legend of the house spirit, which unfortunately did not want to appear on camera.
