A bold new beginning on the North Sea coast
Taking the plunge and moving abroad, building your own business, and establishing a life in a new place – many people dream of this. Alain, Mirabelle, and their son have made this dream a reality and created a new home for themselves in Cuxhaven on the North Sea coast.
In the video they explain how they became aware of the former water tower, why they chose Cuxhaven and how an extraordinary idea became a successful project.
Choosing the right location
Anyone considering emigration should carefully consider their destination. For Alain and Mirabelle, not only the location itself but also the potential of the building played a crucial role. Cuxhaven proved to be an ideal location: the city attracts numerous tourists every year, thus offering perfect conditions for a café with a distinctive character.
In retrospect, other countries would have been options. France, Scotland, and England were also on the list of possible destinations. There, too, exciting buildings and interesting projects could have been found. However, for a café, it's not just the premises that are crucial, but also the people who come by. Ultimately, the tourist location on the North Sea coast was the deciding factor.
A family business with a lot of passion
The whole family still stands behind the café. Alain, Mirabelle, and their son form the core team of the business. They are only occasionally supported by temporary staff during particularly busy periods.
Daily life is characterized by long working days and a great deal of personal effort. The products are made in-house, which guarantees high quality but also takes up a lot of time. The café is particularly busy during the summer months when numerous visitors travel to Cuxhaven.
Would they do it again?
The answer to this question is nuanced. The family hasn't regretted their decision for a second. Without the courage they showed back then, Café Wasserturm wouldn't exist today. At the same time, Alain and Mirabelle now understand better than they did then just how much work and dedication a project of this scale actually requires.
They would probably not embark on a similarly large project again. Instead, they would try to build more support from the outset and distribute certain tasks among several people. However, such decisions depend not least on the financial and economic conditions.
More than just a café
Today, the water tower is much more than just a restaurant. It's a life's work, a family project, and a meeting place all in one. Besides the café, the tower also houses lovingly furnished holiday apartments, offering guests a truly special stay. Those who stay overnight experience the unique atmosphere of the historic building up close and enjoy the view over Cuxhaven and the North Sea. Visitors from Germany, Switzerland, and many other countries come to the water tower – whether for coffee and cake, for a few days' holiday, or to learn the story of a family who had the courage to make their dream a reality.