(Recommended by BillS - Intexa2)

(BillS) ...the Gutspension Hofschwewicheldt in Peine (southeast of Hannover) is a pension and also a large working farm, formerly the farm of the last German king, and still owned, I believe, by the family - or the state, not sure - and leased to the Schneider family. You can get involved in the farm life (though this must be arranged) or can just use it as a pension and, as we did, a base. The rooms (Eleven - some single, some double) are modern and comfortable, with all the amenities of a small hotel. Breakfast was first rate and served by Frau Schneider in a homey dining room with a large antique communal table. The whole room was filled with antiques and you felt you were in someone's home. The grounds are picture perfect.

Peine is apparently a resort area for Germans and is 7km away. The pension is located on the B494 - 22km from Hildesheim. From Hannover (30 km) it can be reached via A2 (exit 34B south then left on B494) or A7 to B494 or B65 from Hannover to B494 and then south. It is worth consideration if you want to visit and stay in the area. We used it when we visited the Steinbach factory (nutcrackers) in Hohenhamln. The king's castle in nearby as is Hameln of pied piper fame.