Among our hosts, we've got some passionate folks we affectionately call "Ruinersi." They're the ones who breathe new life into crumbling buildings, giving them a second shot at glory. The mere thought of cataloging every beam, taking a dip in a stream during renovations, and hauling 43 thousand reclaimed roof tiles from all corners of the region to crown a 300-year-old house doesn't faze them one bit. This house, by the way, had a roof made mostly of air and a sky view!
Their exploits could easily be the plot of a Netflix documentary, but more importantly, they're the unsung heroes of cultural preservation. Thanks to them, quaint homes in Lower Silesia, cozy cabins in Podlasie, and old Dutch settlements in Żuławy get a second chance to shine instead of fading into obscurity. And our Slowhop hearts are doing a lively jig because not only are we saving a slice of history, but we're also creating charming retreats that champion regenerative tourism. After all, isn't repurposing existing buildings and recycling materials a spirited nod to Mother Nature?
One sunny day, we stumbled upon this genius idea: buying a charming wooden cottage in one of the quaint villages nestled in the Roztocze region. The plan seemed foolproof: a steal of a deal, a rustic gem, and picturesque surroundings - what could possibly go wrong? Well... turns out, renovating an old-timer like this isn't exactly a walk in the park. Our journey from ruination to rejuvenation would make a better sitcom than a heartwarming drama! But after nearly two years of trials, we can now proudly say: it was all worth it!
And the name? It's a cheeky wordplay. Like that old game show from the 90s hosted by Bożena Walter. "Czar" because our cottage is downright magical. And "Paary" is the name of the village straddling the border of two provinces - rumor has it, one part of the farmhouse's kitchen is still in Lubelskie voivodeship, while the bathroom is firmly rooted in Podkarpackie. Fancy a tour of the country lanes to see where the devils build their playground and where the locals kick up their heels in folk dances? Or perhaps you're more the type to lounge in a hammock on the terrace, letting the morning dew tickle your bare toes? Either way, our cottage of wonders awaits!
We stumbled upon everything we ever dreamed of in the Izera Foothills. After years of searching, we were lucky to meet some wonderful folks who led us to a charming old house nestled among towering trees on a hill near Lubomierz. Our initial plan was to gradually renovate this beautiful spot over the years, but you know how life goes... plans had to change, and the renovation had to be done as quickly as possible.
And thus, Wietorówka came to be a haven for grown-ups seeking peace of mind, a place to gather thoughts and unwind. There's even a special apartment for our furry friends, and a communal area with a quaint old stove painted white. Picture this: a barn for chilling or working, hammocks strung up among the trees, a dash of wild meadow, and a table nestled in the old orchard. It's the perfect spot for gathering, celebrating, brainstorming, and basking in the beauty of nature.
– Historical objects, as long as I can remember, evoke deep emotions and sentiments in me – says Katarzyna Pielaszkiewicz, an interior architect and conservator, the host of Tilia Authentic Home, who along with her husband Michał, restored a over 200-year-old arcade house in Żuławy.
– Taking care of such a property and sharing it with others is a true privilege.
In the interview, we ask our expert about her love for old houses, discuss the relationships that emerge thanks to historical buildings, and why renovations are worth undertaking.
Our Jury, basing its decisions on criteria such as the aesthetics of renovation, preservation of cultural heritage, consistency with the architecture and culture of the region, as well as the recovery and exhibition of historical elements, selected the top 10 renovations. Subsequently, it thoroughly examined the entire top 10 and, through closed voting, identified one winner.
A conservator of monuments and art historian, former director of the Museum in the Royal Łazienki Park in Warsaw. A happy owner of a restored manor granary in Gnojna.
An art historian and photographer. Resident of a revived 100-year-old house in the Bobr Valley Landscape Park.
An art historian who transformed a 100-year-old Warmian homestead (called Art Meadow).
You can find the contest regulations here.
