Whispers of Culture and History at Ziemeri Manor

Text and photos Susanna Poikela

The manor’s interior is like something out of a storybook.

 

When traveling to Southern Estonia, it’s worth considering a quick detour across the Latvian border. That’s how I discovered a delightful accommodation run by Latvian theatre director Dita Balčus. In her hands, this nearly 300-year old manor has become a magical place where you’ll want to get lost for a day or two.

The current Ziemeri Manor is one of Latvia’s nationally significant manor houses. It originally belonged to the von Wolf baronial family, whose legacy and stories still echo within the manor’s walls. But even before the current main building was erected, the estate was mentioned in historical records as early as the 1550s. Architecturally, the manor is a blend of Classicism with Baroque influences.

Today, the lady of the manor, Dita Balčus, personally welcomes her guests. The rooms are tastefully decorated, honouring the building’s style and spirit. Beyond successful interior design, the rooms are playful and tell stories that invite you in. When possible, Balčus also arranges tours to the manor’s second floor, where cultural events such as theatre and concerts take place—and where guests can dress in period costumes.

Solid oak stairs lead to the second floor, which houses a library, banquet hall, and salon. I admire the original fireplace from the late 1700s. I can picture Baron von Wolf enjoying a cigar with friends by the fire after dinner. The atmosphere of that era seeps into your bones.

You can book your stay at Ziemeri Manor via Airbnb here.

 

 

 

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