Villa Konrad (Villa Conrad) is part of a picturesque palace and park complex situated on a steep hillside in Nowa Ruda. The striking building, erected in 1889, stands out for its impressive style and architectural details. Despite its poor condition, these features make it one of the most important monuments in the area.
With its architectural form, Villa Konrad resembles a small palace or castle, richly decorated with bay windows, risalits and a high roof with numerous gables. The focal point of the building is the soaring, fanciful tower, which gives the villa its unique character. The massive bastion-shaped retaining walls are also a distinctive feature of the building. The villa was built in red brick in the Neo-Renaissance style, combining elements of French and Dutch architecture with Central European Gothic influences.
Tomasz Leśniowski, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In the architecture of the building one can notice the inspiration of medieval castles, which manifests itself, among other things, in cylindrical towers and towers supported on rafters. The entire complex is surrounded by an extensive park, creating a harmonious palace and park complex. This complex also includes a late 19th century coach house, a cellar and an entrance gate. The villa and the park are listed in the municipal register of historical monuments, and the main building is also listed in the register of historical monuments. In front of the villa there are impressive giant cedar trees, which are the building’s equals. Complementing this historic space is a row of chestnut trees along the original stone road that leads to the main entrance.
Over the course of more than a century of its existence, Villa Konrad has changed its use and owners many times. In the mid-20th century, the roof of the building was rebuilt, most likely due to a fire that affected the attic. During the communist period, the building served as a kindergarten and later as a community centre, which hosted numerous special events and weddings. A community centre also operated here, providing an important centre of cultural life for the residents of the nearby industrial plant. At the beginning of the 1990s, the palace and park complex passed into the hands of private owners, which unfortunately did not protect the building from progressive degradation. Over the following years, the building served various functions, including a private residential house or a photographic studio, until it was finally abandoned. As a result of roof tile theft and flooding, the building’s technical condition deteriorated drastically.
In 2021, a new owner took over the care of the villa and began work to protect what the weather and vandals had not damaged. The roof was protected from further deterioration and the interiors were propped up with stiles to prevent the ceilings from collapsing. At the same time, maintenance of the park’s old-growth forest began, removing damaged and dangerous trees.
The current revitalisation project involves transforming Villa Konrad into a luxury guesthouse with a spa area, restoring its former beauty and functionality. In addition, it is planned to adapt the coach house into a restaurant and the cellar into a wine cellar. The total usable area of all buildings will be 921 square metres. A key element of the project is the restoration of the historic shape of the villa’s roof, which is to gain two additional helmets. Also in the case of the coach house, it is planned to restore the turret and its crowning helmet, which will emphasise its original representative character.
It is worth adding that the presented visualisations of the investment do not yet include all decorative details. These elements will be designed in further stages of the project. Also, the existing tree stand has not been included in the visualisations, but all trees that do not pose a safety risk are to be preserved. The revitalisation of the mansion is not only the restoration of the historic building, but also the revitalisation of the entire palace and park complex, which has been deteriorating for years. Thanks to the new investment plans, the building has the chance to become a luxurious leisure destination while preserving its historical qualities. The restoration of the original architectural details and the care of the park will once again make Villa Konrad one of the most important points on the map of local heritage.
Source: Willa Konrad
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