Invitation to tender for the sale of the Nowy Zamek castle and park in Płoty, West Pomerania, by the Gryfice County in April 2024. Due to the listed status, the buyer will be granted a 50% discount on the minimum bid, which has yet to be announced.
The New Castle of Płoty (Nowy Zamek w Płotach) was built between 1608 and 1618 for the Osten family directly next to the still existing Old Castle, which served as a model. Over the centuries, it underwent several expansions and renovations. Its present appearance was shaped by the renowned German architect Paul Korff in the years 1910-1912. Under his direction, the original Renaissance building was transformed into a representative neo-Baroque-style castle. As part of this conversion, the high clock tower with a dome and an additional wing on the north side were added, giving rise to the characteristic U-shaped layout. After its completion, the "New Plathe Castle" was considered one of the most beautiful residences in Hinterpommern. Fortunately, it remained untouched by subsequent wartime actions and, after 1945, became the seat of an agricultural school and later an internat. After 1990, the castle and park were transferred to Gryfice County. Since then, the castle has been used for municipal purposes such as meetings and weddings. The estate also includes outbuildings.
The property is fully connected to all local utilities, with access through a gatehouse and a paved road. Servitudes have been established on the property to provide access to public roads for the owners of apartments in buildings on parcels 495/6 and 495/7. These rights do not significantly alter the character or potential use of the property. Additionally, there are two garages on the property, constructed by third parties and not part of the sale offer.
Buildings and areas in square meters:
- New Castle: 1,356, 3 floors
- Utility buildings: 49, 1 floor
- Gatehouse: 67, 1 floor
- Bismarck family mausoleum: 48, 1 floor.
Building Description:
The ensemble is a three-winged structure with an irregular layout in the shape of the letter "C". The main part faces west and features a central entrance axis and a polygonal vestibule on the ground floor. The south wing, the oldest part of the building, still exhibits Renaissance features, a hipped roof, a rectangular floor plan, and a single bay window. The later-added north wing has a freely designed layout without a symmetrical axis and numerous projections of different shapes and sizes. The new section, with its neo-Baroque clock tower, varying heights, and complex roof structures, forms the distinctive main part of the castle.
Of note is the former library in the northern wing, above which three dormer windows with triangular roofs are installed. The large roof above the dormers is interrupted by skylights, while a separate gable roof covers the projection in the corner between the northern wing and the gable wall of the main part.
High windows illuminate the staircase between the tower and the north wing. On the east side, the multi-tiered terrace is a significant feature, connected by a staircase.
Inside the castle:
The main entrance leads to a vestibule in the shape of an irregular octagon. To the right is a complex hall with vaulted and rectangular areas. The front part of the hall is illuminated by a raised platform and contains a fireplace with a David and Goliath plate. In the upper part of the hall are the corridor, the main staircase, and representative rooms. The lower half houses the old Renaissance wing with a narrow stairwell vestibule and a square antechamber. Behind a Renaissance portal on the north side of the corridor are a triangular gable and a former staircase window. Next to the portal is a plaque with the coats of arms of Count Karl von Bismarck-Osten (1874-1952) and his wife Hilda nee Deichmann (1878-1958) with a German inscription.
In the anteroom of the grand hall is a tiled stove. The largest part of the ground floor is occupied by the grand hall, once the most representative room in the castle. In the rear are a series of rooms, including the tapestry hall with a wood-paneled beamed ceiling. The historical door frames are preserved. The "Red" and "Blue" Boudoirs are adorned with mythological decorations. The former billiard and gentlemen's rooms are also noteworthy. In the north wing are the dining room and kitchen, connected by freight elevators. Opposite the corridor is the former library.
On the first floor, the platform of the staircase is an important architectural feature with polychrome decorations. The rooms on the first and second floors do not have outstanding architectural significance and have been functionally adapted in recent decades. The castle tower was renovated in the 1990s and now has a walkable viewing platform.
The Castle Park:
The castle park consists of well-maintained, flat terrain with parallel walking paths and about 1,150 old trees. The park was designed in the late 19th century and divided into two parts after World War II. In the northern part of the park is the Bismarck-Osten family mausoleum.
Status and Future Use:
The castle building has special historical value and is subject to the conservator of monuments of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship as a national monument.
Proposals for usage concepts are being accepted; for example, there is the possibility of developing the area for tourism, gastronomy, or commercial purposes, and including the castle park in a comprehensive concept.
