Revitalisations of Mazuria

Asks: Dariusz Rembelski
Responds: Maciek Podsiadło
Garbno, 2010

Lost in the forests are properties situated in fabulous surroundings in the lake and pond region, incredibly calm and silent areas. With care and love they are converted into retirement homes for a well- off clientele, or into luxury bed and breakfasts or just into country houses.
There is a boom on property which can be restored in this area, there is no sign of a slump here…
Tall, majestic and with a characteristic smile, the artist has a captivating nonchalance. Always smiling, with optimistic grooves graven in his face. Maciej Podsiadlo, artist and business man. He lives with one foot in Brussels, and the other ready to take on the main tourist itineraries of Central and Eastern Europe.
More specifically in Garbno, a small village situated a few kilometres from Kętrzyn, in the commune of Korsze and the region of Kętrzyn. To find it just follow the signs for Drogosze and enter the picturesque complex of the old Prussian manor.
The new owner is Maciek Podsiadlo, he bought the property a few years ago.
” I have 10 000 square meters under roof. Furthermore, several buildings can be restored to add another 5000 square meters” he says proudly. On top of the manor, he also owns several other buildings, farm buildings, lofts, barns, a stable and a source of water, a river… He already imagines the orangery, the winter garden, the well, the park in its pre-war state, and deer, pheasant or peacocks. That, however is for the future…..
In April 2006, a decision of the Conservator of the monuments of Voïvodie of Varmie-Mazurie concerning the ancient manor buildings as well as its immediate surroundings: the park and development of the space of the old farm were registered in the Monuments Register.

That means that the buildings have to be preserved in their current layout, the manor having been rebuilt in its current state before the Second World War. However, the spaces inside can be rebuilt without any specific restrictions. According to the regulations, the farm buildings have to be rebuilt according to the original layout. All this requires a considerable financial input, but also allows a large amount of commercial leeway.
However, as the artist’s prerogative, the first investment was the Gallery ArtsQład and a bar..the Boehm bar.. which is mainly and enthusiastically patronised by the owner’s friends.
This complex is an ideal place for investment, for example as a care home for Germans. A permanent or temporary stay is possible, with complete medical and nursing care and a hotel part for visitors.
Berlin is only seven hours by road from Garbno.
An airport for small airplanes or helicopters can also be built next door, all the more so as it is the ideal starting point for the Great Lakes region, Giżycko, Mikołajki, Ruciane Nida ou Sztynort ”
With his wide experience as an artisan, he guides us round his property, talking of tiles, planks, cement, while showing all the parts of the property he is renovating. “I am slowly bringing it back to its original state,” he says with a smile.
He earned his living in the metalwork industry, and interior decorating, importing furniture from all over the world. He built aluminium masts and then invested in the construction business, and adapted his flats in Brussels.
He would like Garbno to profit from all his experiences…