Germany, Brandenburg: Abandoned castle and its potential discovered by chance on a bicycle tour. Entrepreneur from Poland buys and renovates old manor. Retirement home "Bonum Donum" with 31 senior apartments now ready for occupancy.
Although the building with its gray plaster and crumbling facade gave a rather dreary impression at the time, she felt an immediate affection for this house. A feeling that was further consolidated when she looked inside: stately and well-preserved, the entrance hall with wooden stairs and open gallery. The idea for a possible use was also given from the start: In the future she would like to provide seniors a comfortable live here. The residents should be able to furnish their rooms freely and pets are also welcome.
The purchase contract was signed in the same year. Together with Polish partners, she had the historic house renovated in an exemplary manner and demonstrated courage and perseverance: Although she was warmly welcomed in the small town, working with the German monument protection authorities is not always easy. The senior citizens' residence with its 31 apartments, a dining room, winter garden as well as relaxation and rehabilitation rooms has been in operation since August 2020 and the first residents have already moved in.
Mayor Jan Berger praises the owner for her involvement and is happy that historic house and its park are now in a meaningful use. There have been many positive developments in recent years, for example because old and stylish houses in the countryside are becoming sought-after residential alternatives due to the tight real estate market, but dilapidated and unused buildings are still a problem not only in many Brandenburg communities. The fame of the small community should now continue to increase.
Witten, North Rhine-Westphalia
