In May, Padure Manor hosted nine guided tours. Visitors explored not only the history of the manor but also witnessed how it is gradually coming back to life.
Construction works continued actively – all internal utilities were installed, the bathrooms in the attic were built, and only finishing and installation remain. The same applies to the toilet on the ground floor.
The overnight stay season also continues. Several guests this month chose to stay at the manor and enjoy the peaceful evenings and mornings. Some celebrated their birthdays here, combining the occasion with a cooking class led by Katrīna Krieviņa. Guest feedback was excellent. The manor’s atmosphere added a special charm to these moments.
A noteworthy event took place on May 24th, when the exhibition “Relics” by Laura Buholte was opened. We also invited Skrunda TV, and a feature was shown on RE TV. We are pleased that art is finding its place in this environment. The exhibition will run until the end of June.
The paintings on display depict seemingly ordinary objects – dishes, fabrics, items from childhood – yet these are not just “things”. They become carriers of memory, holding within them love, loss, silence and attachment. The artist invites the viewer to ask:
“Why do we become so attached to things that hold no material value? And where do we place what these objects mean to us?”
In her paintings, Laura Buholte gives still life an intimate and symbolic dimension, turning each work into an emotional story. The exhibition is an invitation to pause, to appreciate the seemingly simple things around us, and to listen to their silence.
We also completed the VKKF-funded uncovering of the dining room ceiling paintings. The work was carried out by restorer Agnese Gulbe. During the process, we discovered things we couldn’t have anticipated – for instance, a basket that first appeared to be filled with lemons turned out to be full of spring flowers. Other surprises will make us reconsider earlier interpretations of the interior decoration.
If anyone knows where to borrow or deposit hunting trophies, we would be happy to hear your suggestions. We plan to hang these in the blue room, also known as the sofa room, using the wall hooks already in place, to create a hunting lodge atmosphere.
And now some good news. On June 19th, we will launch a new crowdfunding campaign with the goal of raising €149,600. The share nominal value is €150, with a premium of €275. A total of 352 shares will be available.
This funding will be used to install a heating system – a heat pump and convectors on the ground floor. We will also renovate and furnish the Virza and Ivy rooms, whose bathrooms will soon be ready, and begin restoration of the Park rooms.