From New York to Hamburg
The couple’s embrace of a conscious and simple lifestyle led them to establish the skincare brand Sonsie in 2023 along with cofounder Pamela Anderson. With the birth of daughter, Zoe, now two years old, it became clear to Felipe and von Behrens that they wanted to prioritize creating a secure environment for their young family.
What began as a search for a weekend home ended with a spontaneous purchase—a new principal Hamburg home for the family. One morning, von Behrens came across a midcentury-style architect’s house in an online ad. “During our time in Los Angeles, we saw so many beautiful midcentury houses that we started dreaming of owning one ourselves,” she explains. She initially just wanted to take a look at it from the outside—but when she drove past, she immediately knew that it was the right home for her family.
The chance discovery got even better: The house was in perfect condition. Ingenious details are hidden throughout the house, including sliding doors that elegantly connect rooms and delicate windows that allow light to fill the home. “The house had been empty for two or three years, but it was exceptionally well maintained. We learned from the neighbors that the previous owner was a special soul: You can feel that in every corner,” von Behrens says. It was only later, rather by chance, that the couple learned its architect had once worked under Mies van der Rohe. It became clear that only the most essential renovations should be done to the bungalow in order to preserve its unique character.
