Natural cellar / vaulted cellar - how to use?

Hello everyone,

I'll introduce myself briefly, Rüdiger from the area around Freiburg, 40 years old, computer scientist working as IT manager. Photography fan and sci-fi freak.

I have a big project planned for the next 3 years, implementation will be sometime in 2022. Good: plenty of time to plan. At the moment it’s still pretty rough – but I see it as a hobby for the next 2 years.

I have a property with a parents’ house from the 40s in great condition. I will take it over, my mother will probably move into a bungalow that we will build on the property, and in the process the "main house" (I’ve always wanted to say that) will be renovated and about 50m² added.

I will be active here more often now, at first certainly with more questions than answers, I ask for your understanding.

Currently, one topic occupies me: The house has a vaulted cellar, about 40m², natural floor. Until a few years ago there was still a private deep well inside, which we (yes, that was dumb) filled in years ago. The house’s electricity and water supply also come into the cellar. Currently, access is only possible from outside, but until the 60s it was also possible through the house, which I would like to do again. My question now is only:

What should I best use it for? I don’t drink wine, so a wine cellar is out. I don’t need a party place, I have enough space. Storage room for supplies? For that I’d probably have to convert it, I think...

Maybe the question sounds really weird now, but: What is a sensible purpose for the cellar? The condition is actually good, and yes, the walls would definitely need sandblasting and replastering.

Thanks for your tips and regards Rüdiger

When it is dry and frost-free as storage space. We have stored wood, garden furniture, potatoes and apples, sandbox for leeks and carrots in our "cellar". If you don't need it, fill it in and build over it.

What is a sensible purpose for the basement?

Classic from the past: storage space for food of all kinds (old vaulted cellars usually always have a certain humidity) Basement today: home office, gym, guest room, storage space for odds and ends (garden furniture, toys, seasonal clothing, etc.) - if the basement has high humidity or no insulation/heating, most of these are out

What is the ceiling height? We use our vaulted cellar from 1921 as a storage room for supplies, tools. We have a second refrigerator there for the summer, washing machine and dryer with sink. Gas heating is located there. Overwintering of plants. It is quite practical. Only items made of organic material cannot be stored there permanently because the cellar was built as a damp cellar.

Whisky. Invest your money in whisky barrels. Good returns and a nice hobby.

And, if it is mainly storage space, definitely consider whether you really need access from the inside or if the external stairs are sufficient. Because access from the inside takes up floor space there.