What bliss! At last, a great turning point seemed to have arrived. The country cottage for which Richard and Minna had so often longed, and which they had so often dreamed about, now became a reality. It was their sixth place of residence in Zurich and for Minna a double stroke of luck: she would now also have a garden of her own where she could grow vegetables and make full use of whatever she harvested. She also had reason to hope that Otto Wesendonck’s patronage would mean an end to their dreadful financial difficulties. The pretty half-timbered cottage had a magnificent view of the lake and itself exuded peace, quiet, and an elegant ambience. Minna bubbled over with joy in her next letter to Mathilde Schiffner: “Although I have a terrible cough and sniffles again at the moment, the thought of being able to breathe in the pure air of the garden and its flowers on that little hill makes me feel already fresh and healthy. We could hardly find anywhere more beautiful and healthier. Richard says so too.” Since it was originally built as a summer cottage, a heating system had to be installed for the colder months. There was no space for individual stoves, so a heating room was set up, with pipes leading into the different rooms. There were three rooms on the ground floor, the same number on the floor above. A small gable room was set up for guests, and Minna was already looking forward to receiving Mathilde Schiffner there: “I think it will be so wonderful, if God grants me enough life, to drink a cup of coffee or tea with you on my balcony, enjoying the most magnificent view of the snowy mountains, the lake, and the city—which does not look at all bad from there.”

Richard reserved the upper floor for himself. His living area comprised a small study with a wonderful view of the upper lake and the Alps of Canton Glarus, then a music room, a salon, and a veranda. Minna’s quarters were to be on the ground floor, a few steps above the garden.