While on my holiday in the Czech Republic, we went for a drive to take in some scenery, my friend told me of an old hotel that was derelict and probably inaccessible. The latter two words have been contradicted many times by me over the years and the challenge was accepted! After pulling myself through a flimsy fence I was confronted by this extraordinary sight; it was well hidden in the overgrowth and I kicked myself for not bringing the rest of my camera gear. I shot it hand held and that worked ok. The place is a ruin and pretty dodgy in areas, just like in the UK - it had been Pikied for metals and there was some grafitti.
The history:
Along the river Pšovka, wider sections were created and called the Harasovské pools - named after the nearby castle. It was a popular holiday spot for bathers throughout the summers of the final years of the 19th century.
The owner of the estate - Prince Frederick Lobkowicz decided to build a hotel on the banks to attract more tourists, the task was given to mělnická company builder Karel Novak. The design incorporated a curve that matched the shore of the nearby lake and a small suspension bridge that crossed to the sandstone rocks at the rear. From there you could walk up the hill to enjoy the splendour of the Czech countryside, if swimming wasn't your thing! Completion was in July 1912, it was also advertised as a hunting lodge to attract people from Prague.
The first floor had ten rooms, five on the second and two on the ground along with bar, a kitchen and a reading room. Stables were adjoining and even some spaces for the new emerging motor cars. There were plans to expand with pavilions and a playground, but they were never constructed.
Following Nationalisation, it became a recreation centre but after the Velvet Revolution sent the Russians packing in 1989 - it remained empty and slid into ruin.
To return it to a working establishment again will cost £1 million, which is a Lot of money in Czech economic terms.
How it looked in 1925:
Today:
Where the bridge was:
Guest room:
Balconies with a view of the lake 1:
2:
Rock face at the back:
Ground and first floor - minus floor:
Main terrace:
The history:
Along the river Pšovka, wider sections were created and called the Harasovské pools - named after the nearby castle. It was a popular holiday spot for bathers throughout the summers of the final years of the 19th century.
The owner of the estate - Prince Frederick Lobkowicz decided to build a hotel on the banks to attract more tourists, the task was given to mělnická company builder Karel Novak. The design incorporated a curve that matched the shore of the nearby lake and a small suspension bridge that crossed to the sandstone rocks at the rear. From there you could walk up the hill to enjoy the splendour of the Czech countryside, if swimming wasn't your thing! Completion was in July 1912, it was also advertised as a hunting lodge to attract people from Prague.
The first floor had ten rooms, five on the second and two on the ground along with bar, a kitchen and a reading room. Stables were adjoining and even some spaces for the new emerging motor cars. There were plans to expand with pavilions and a playground, but they were never constructed.
Following Nationalisation, it became a recreation centre but after the Velvet Revolution sent the Russians packing in 1989 - it remained empty and slid into ruin.
To return it to a working establishment again will cost £1 million, which is a Lot of money in Czech economic terms.
How it looked in 1925:
Today:
Where the bridge was:
Guest room:
Balconies with a view of the lake 1:
2:
Rock face at the back:
Ground and first floor - minus floor:
Main terrace: