In , Pepperdine University began its study abroad program in Heidelberg, Germany. Moore Haus has served as a "home away from home" for countless Pepperdine students for more than 50 years.
Moore Haus, built by Professor Endemann in , made architectural history because of its eclectic German country villa style. After World War I, the wealthy Schmitthelm family, manufacturers of down comforters, purchased the mansion. In , the U. The house was used to interrogate former Nazis and monitor communist activities, and you can still see evidence that the current office was used as a prison cell.
When West Germany received limited sovereignty from the Allies in , the house was returned to the Schmitthelm family. Having moved to a more modern home, the Schmitthelms rented the house to the newly established Federal German army, which used it for its regional headquarters offices. In , Pepperdine University was able to purchase the house and made extensive renovations, converting the mansion into a dormitory building.
Great care was taken to preserve its turn-of-the-century character. Moore Haus overlooks romantic Old Town Heidelberg, a university town rich in culture and history. The University of Heidelberg was founded in and is the oldest University in Germany. The four-story mansion houses a library, reception room, computer lab, administrative offices, student rooms, a student kitchen, student center, laundry facility, and an apartment for the Faculty in Residence.
The bedrooms are comfortable and full of character, and those on the upper floors afford through-the-trees views of the beautiful Neckar Valley. A grand piano dominates the large reception room, which is open for student use most of the time. The student center provides access to a stereo equipment and a large flat screen television. Moore Haus is a strictly non-smoking environment.
