Oberpolenz Manor (Polenz)

The Oberpolenz manor house is located in the village of Oberpolenz, which was first mentioned in a document in 1216. The manor house itself has a long and varied history, marked by various owners and architectural changes.

Early History and Division

The origins of the Oberpolenz manor house date back to a medieval estate. In 1588, a division of inheritance led to the creation of two separate manor houses: Oberpolenz and Niederpolenz. This division laid the foundation for the independent development of both estates.

Construction of the New Manor House around 1800

A significant architectural change occurred around 1800 under Ferdinand Bernhard von Watzdorf. He commissioned the construction of a new manor house, which largely corresponds to the building we see today. This new building reflected the architectural styles and preferences of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, likely incorporating elements of classicism.

Owners in the 19th and 20th Centuries

Around 1900, Otto Franz Barth owned the Oberpolenz manor house. The Barth family was a well-known family of landowners in the region. Their ownership marked a period of agricultural and economic activity for the estate.

Expropriation and Post-War Use

A drastic turning point in the history of the manor house came in 1945 with the expropriation of the property as part of the land reform in the Soviet occupation zone. The estate, comprising 112 hectares, was seized. After 1945, the manor house served various public purposes. It was used as a municipal administration, residential building, and sales outlet, reflecting the urgent need for space and infrastructure in the post-war period.

Current Use

Since March 2005, the Oberpolenz manor house has been used as a residential building. This current use marks a return to its original function, albeit in a different social and economic context.

The Oberpolenz manor house is a two-story building with a hipped roof. The facade is characterized by simple elegance, typical of the classicist period. Original architectural details, such as window frames and cornices, have been preserved in parts.

The Oberpolenz manor house is an important historical building that reflects the architectural and social changes of several centuries. It is a testament to the rural aristocratic culture and the subsequent transformations in the 20th century. Despite its varied history, the manor house has retained its character and remains a striking building in the landscape of Oberpolenz.

Some key points about the Oberpolenz Manor House:

• from an inheritance division in 1588, the two manor houses Oberpolenz and Niederpolenz emerged
• Ferdinand Bernhard von Watzdorf had a new manor house built around 1800
• around 1900, Otto Franz Barth owned the Oberpolenz manor house
• 1945 expropriation (112 ha)
• after 1945 used as municipal administration, housing, and sales outlet
• March 2005 residential building