Świdermajers are not just buildings – they are the stories behind the ornate verandas, intricately carved details and loving care of their owners. As early as 15 June, architecture and history enthusiasts will get a unique chance to see these historic pearls with their own eyes during the third edition of the “Open Houses” event organised by the Świdermajerowie Association.
Treasures of forest architecture
It is impossible to resist the charm of the buildings which were erected at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries and are a testament to the summer splendour of those times. The magnificently decorated wooden villas, once the residences of wealthy families, have survived a turbulent history – from the destruction of the war to the period of the People’s Republic of Poland, during which many of them were neglected or systematically dismantled. Today, however, history and architecture enthusiasts are reminded of the value these buildings carry, treating them as “a treasure more precious than gold”. Each of the houses visited has its own unique character – they have their own names, e.g. Hanka, Gustawówka or Nadzieja – and their owners, often cherishing family traditions and history, open the gates of their private spaces, inviting guests into a world full of memories and the warmth of a family hearth.
A dialogue between generations
During the tour, you can not only admire the architectural details, but also listen to the sometimes fascinating stories about the renovation processes, the care for original ornaments and the challenges of maintaining historic residences. Hanna Łubieńska from the Świdermajerowie Association of Owners, Residents and Lovers of Wooden Houses on the Otwock Line emphasises that the tour participants have the opportunity to learn the perspective of the residents, see the potential for restoration of historic buildings and even give birth to dreams of their own ‘Świdermajer’. It is this authenticity, combining history with everyday life, that makes the tour such a unique experience.
In this year’s edition, a route has been prepared, which will take participants to seven of the most interesting buildings located in Otwock and Józefów. Thanks to the carefully set times of arrival at specific addresses, tourists will have the opportunity to learn in detail about the history of each house. During the round of sightseeing, visits to, among others, the following are planned:
- Village House (25 Nowowiejska Street, Józefów) from 10:00 to 11:00,
- Villa Hanka (68 Wyszyńskiego Street, Józefów) (11:30-12:30),
- Villa Gustawówka (ul. Grzybowa 1, Otwock) (12:30-14:00),
- Villa Nadzieja (48 Jana Pawła II Street, Otwock) (14:00-15:00),
- Willa Darusinek (ul. Majowa 52, Otwock) (15:00-16:00),
- Gingerbread House (4 Ostrowska Street, Otwock) (16:00-17:00),
- Reymontówka (ul. Reymonta 29, Otwock) (17:00-18:00).
At the end of the day, participants will be treated to the finale of the 11th Świdermajer Festival, which will take place under the Gurewicz guesthouse in Otwock, where history, art and modernity intertwine to create an unforgettable event.

The event is accompanied by the publication “On solid foundations. Historia ukryta w domach” by Lidia Głażewska-Dańko and Justyna Górnowicz, which reveals the secrets of individual houses to the readers. The texts, based on archival materials and the accounts of owners and residents, help to understand the diverse functions and dimensions of these buildings – from small, charming farmhouses to large boarding houses. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to purchase a brochure from last year’s edition of ‘After Three Layers of Linoleum. Historia ukryta w domach” and a book by Hanna Litwin entitled “Our Świdermajer. “Our Świdermajer”, which will further deepen their knowledge of this fascinating architecture.
Świdermajers and their details
Each of the houses has unique features that link the past with the present. Villa Nadzieja impresses not only with its impressive fountain, but also with its ten-metre-high tower, once adorned with a clock, and with original details in the interiors – from a handrail upholstered in burgundy plush to a pre-war bathtub decorated with a lion’s paw motif. In Reymontówka, the name is owed to the famous writer who created the work “Lato” there, and the surrounding forest garden emphasises the closeness to nature and the spirit of the era. Villa Hanka is distinguished by its harmonious proportions and colourful glazing of the verandas, while Gingerbread House reveals fascinating secrets, such as the original insulation with pine buttes, which not only serve a practical function but also provide an interesting historical element. Villa Darusinek, on the other hand, enchants with its restored, handmade shuttering, the result of the work of a skilled carpenter graduated from the Kenar Art School in Zakopane. Each of these houses tells a unique story, stirring the emotions of architecture lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
source: Świdermajerowie Association
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