What Motivates People Who Decide to Dedicate All Their Time and Money to Saving a Historic Building?

This is one of the themes of our summer series "Second Wind: A New Life for Monuments." As part of this series, we visited the chateau in Nemilkov in the Klatovy region.

When driving through the Czech countryside, we often see chateaus and fortresses in the villages. Some are still in a dilapidated state, but others are receiving well-deserved care after decades of neglect. Often, this is thanks to new owners—enthusiasts who sacrifice their time and money for their restoration. This summer series, "Second Wind: A New Life for Monuments," is dedicated to them and their monuments. This time, we record a report at the Nemilkov chateau in the Klatovy region.

The Renaissance chateau of Nemilkov, with Baroque modifications, experienced its greatest prosperity under the progressive Schreiner family, who acquired it at the end of the 18th century. They built a brewery, distillery, hammer mill with a sawmill, and a hydroelectric power plant. However, in 1945, the family was expelled. The chateau then became part of a unified agricultural cooperative and gradually fell into disrepair.

It Was Love at First Sight

Better times began in 2016 when the chateau enchanted its new owners, the Kaplan family. “It was my husband's idea. He loves history and all things old, and buying an old monument and restoring it was his dream,” says Markéta Kaplanová, a former swimmer, national swimming coach, and now the lady of the chateau.

“I resisted for a long time. But when my husband brought me here, it was love at first sight,” she added. When the couple took over the chateau, it was devastated, with holes in the roofs and missing windows. However, it still retained its beautiful character. The Kaplans made a major life change. They left Prague, where they had their entire family, sold all their property, and invested their long-term savings into the chateau.

Over eight years, the Kaplans managed to restore much of the chateau, and it is now open to the public. Visitors can see practically the entire property during their tour, and most of the rooms are now furnished.

“The core of the inventory is my husband’s collection of antiques, but many items were also donated by friends and visitors. And neighbors from the village are gradually returning items that their ancestors once took from here,” says Markéta Kaplanová with a smile.

The future pride of the chateau is the Baroque ballroom, which is currently being renovated, primarily thanks to the help of friends and contributors. The work is expected to be completed by winter, so the hall should be ready to showcase its full beauty to the public next season.

The Nemilkov chateau is open daily. In addition to guided tours, it offers refreshments, accommodation, and facilities for hosting various events.

authors: Jitka Englová, Alice Baumruková Kotylová - Český rozhlas Plzeň, published on 15th July 2024

Původní znění článku - Obnova zámku Nemilkov novým majitelům změnila život