History

The first written sources about this monument date back to 1382. They mention a Gothic fortress owned by Ahník and Ctirad of Nemilkov. The fortress served for defense, farming, and accommodation. Another important figure residing in Nemilkov was the Czech nobleman Jan Bohuchval of Hrádek, who at the end of the 16th century rebuilt part of the fortress into a Renaissance chateau with a farmyard. After the Battle of White Mountain (1620), the estate was acquired cheaply by the infamous General Don Martin de Hoef-Huerta (Lord of Velhartice). Since then, the owners have changed very quickly. It was not until the mid-18th century that the Khuen family of Bellassa bought the estate and carried out Baroque renovations.

Drawing of the castle from the mid-18th century.

In 1798, Nemilkov was purchased by Martin Bartoloměj Schreiner. The Schreiner family was educated and progressive, even though they came from a peasant background. Four generations of this family successfully farmed here, and not only in agriculture. The estate also included a brewery, a distillery, a hammer mill with a sawmill, and a hydroelectric power plant. They built roads and participated in the construction of the railway. They made Nemilkov famous throughout Europe with special varieties of conifers that they bred here. They added a classicist wing to the castle.

The most famous member of the family was undoubtedly Gustav Schreiner – a brilliant lawyer, agricultural expert, prominent member of the Imperial Diet, and active member of many "pro-German" associations. He defended the German minority in Austria-Hungary and Czechoslovakia.

His son Georg was the opposite, making no distinction between nations. He loved history and art. He uncovered and restored the castle's rich history. What's more, he embellished the castle historically according to his taste. However, he probably did not realize all his plans, because immediately after the war, in 1945, he and his entire family were included in the expulsion.

During the years of communist totalitarianism, the entire complex was used by the local agricultural cooperative for farming. The castle building was partly used for apartments and for a time also housed the offices of the local national committee. However, without maintenance, the buildings quickly fell into disrepair. The farm moved elsewhere, and various materials and rubbish gradually accumulated on the grounds. The Schreiner family, the last private owners, were of German nationality, so after 1989 they were not entitled to restitution. In 2016, when the current owners bought the complex, it was abandoned and dilapidated. Their goal is to bring it back to life. To open the space to the public and make it a place for culture, education, relaxation, and sports.