Until the 1930s, the "Stone House" was a large, stony sea of basalt. The basalt columns towered up to 12 m high. They were evidence of Rhön volcanism 30 to 10 million years ago. The 5-6-edged columns were formed when liquid magma cooled and solidified very slowly.

Remains of the huge basalt deposit are still visible in the northern part of the lake. However, most of it has been removed. The quarry at the "Steinernen Haus" was established after the Second World War. One of the reasons for this was the jobs it created. The large basalt blocks were cut to lengths of 20, 40 and 50 cm and delivered to Holland, where they were used for coastal protection. After the flood disaster in 1962, they were also used for the construction of coastal protection dams in Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg.

The deepest part of the crater left behind by the basalt quarrying later filled with water, creating today's lake. Its location roughly corresponds to the first mining stage in 1953.

Today, the basalt lake with the "Stone House" is a popular excursion destination. Bathers flock here, especially in summer. There is a parking lot, a kiosk and a barbecue station.

The Steinerne Haus is located on the premium hiking trail Extra tour "Hochrhöntour.