Ustka is not only a charming seaside town, but also an excellent starting point for discovering the rich history of Pomerania. In the immediate vicinity of the city there are many historic mansions and palaces, which not only attract architecture lovers, but also bear witness to past eras and the aristocratic heritage of the region. What's more, many of them conceal interesting histories of families that had an impact on shaping the local identity. Planning accommodation in Ustka, especially in Villa Red, you can combine relaxation by the sea with unique excursions in the footsteps of Pomeranian nobility.

Villa Red - the pearl of Ustka

To begin with, it is worth mentioning Villa Red itself, which is one of the most distinctive buildings in Ustka. This stately residence, originally known as Villa Westphal, was built in the 19th century in an eclectic style with French Neo-Renaissance influences. Surrounded by greenery and a historic fence, it is an excellent example of villa architecture of the period.

Photo lithograph showing Villa Red, 1903.

Machowino and Machowinko - the history of two neighboring estates

Machowino, which was known in the Middle Ages as Gross Machmin, appears in documents as early as 1364. At the time, the village belonged to the wealthy patrician von Wernitz family, which was also referred to as von Schwaven - "the Swabians," indicating their South German roots. Over the following centuries Machowino changed hands, ending up, among others, with the von Lettow family, and from the 19th century in the hands of well-known Pomeranian patricians - the Uckermanns from Starogard. It was Franz von Uckermann, a councillor for justice, who built a palace in Machowin in the mid-19th century, which has survived to this day. Although it now serves as a Nursing Home.

Photo: Palace in Machowin, 1932, Shared by Portal Dwory i Pałace Polski

In Machowink, there is a second residence with an equally rich history. The village was in the hands of many distinguished families - from von Ramel, through von Zastrow and von Below, to the Zitzewitz family, famous in Pomerania. It was the latter family, headed by Count Wilhelm Graf von Zitzewitz, that made the greatest contribution to the development of the local estate.

In 1901, a distillery, stables and farm buildings were built in Machowinek - modern for the time, attesting to the economic momentum of the owners. The palace, erected in the second half of the 19th century, was surrounded by a picturesque English-style landscape park. To this day you can walk among the centuries-old trees, admiring the harmony between architecture and nature. Today, the palace, like the one in Machowinek, houses a Nursing Home.

Photo: Włodzimierz Jacek Adamski, 2022, after the portal Dwory i Pałace Polski

Duninov Palace

Duninowo is the birthplace of Wilhelm Granzow, the artist who created Ustka's coat of arms. The Duninowo Palace, although not currently open to the public, is an important point on the region's historical map. It was here that the young Granzow began his artistic path that led him to Ustka.

Photo by Nina Herzberg-Zielezinska, Duninowo Palace, 2018, Dwory and Palaces of Poland

Gabin Palace

In the village of Gąbino, located near Lake Gardno, there is a palace that once belonged to the von Bandemer family. Although the building is now privately owned, its history and architecture attract lovers of historical monuments.

Photo by Nina Herzberg-Zielezinska, Gabin Palace, 2018, Dwory and Palaces of Poland

Objazda Palace

Erected in 1895-1897 by Ernest Kutscher, the neo-Renaissance palace in Objazd was the seat of the Kutscher family. The distinctive tower, wooden veranda and surrounding park with a pond create a picturesque landscape. Although the building is not currently open to the public, its exterior architecture still delights.

Photo: Palace in Objazd, date unknown, Provided by Portal Dwory i Palaces of Poland

Zaleski Manor

Dating back to the 18th century, the Zaleski mansion is an example of classicist manor house architecture. Built on a rectangular plan, with a portico at the front and a hipped roof, it was once surrounded by a park with a variety of trees and shrubs. The first owner of the estate was von Typhanow. Between 1461 and 1945, the estate remained in the hands of the von Below family. Although the mansion is accessible only from the outside, it is worth stopping here during a tour of the area.

Photo: Zalewski Manor, 1900, Provided by Portal Dwory i Pałace Polski

Manor house in Niestkow

Inststkowo, mentioned as early as 1227, hides a manor house with a rich history. In 1499 the estate passed to the von Ramel family. Later owners were the von Zitzewitz, von Podewils or Küttner families. The brick mansion located in Niestkow dates back to the mid-19th century. Although partially restored and privately owned, its presence is a reminder of the region's long and complex history.

Photo: Manor in Niestkowo, Provided by Portal Dwory i Pałace Polski

Palace in Wytown - a late Baroque residence with a moat

Located just a few kilometers from Ustka, the palace in Wytown is one of the most valuable examples of late Baroque manor architecture in Pomerania. Erected in the mid-18th century, it is surrounded by a moat and a historic park, which gives it a unique, almost fairy-tale character. The residence was the seat of well-known Pomeranian families, including the von Rhamel and von Bandemer, and was expanded with two side wings in the 19th century. After the war, the mansion served administrative and vacation functions, and has been in private hands since the 1990s. It is currently falling into increasing disrepair with each passing year.

Photo by Cezary Skowronski, 2021, Provided by Portal Dwory i Pałace Polski

Zimowiska-Grabno Manor

Hidden among the fields and forests, the manor house in Zimowiska-Grabno (German: Wintershagen) is a fascinating reminder of the former families of Pomeranian nobility. The history of the place dates back to the 14th century, when it belonged to the von Winterfeld family, and later passed into the hands of such families as the von Podewils, Kratz and von Uckermann. The monument was built on the foundations of an older defensive residence and represents a classicist architectural style. Today the complex remains the property of a housing cooperative, and the surrounding park belongs to the Agricultural Property Agency in Slupsk.

Photo: Włodzimierz Jacek Adamski, 2022, Provided by Portal Dwory i Pałace Polski

Traces of Bismarck in Barnowiec

A little farther away stands the 19th-century palace in Barnowiec, which once belonged to the von Puttkamer family. It was here that Johanna von Puttkamer - later the wife of Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, who was associated with Villa Red- grew up. The neoclassical mansion, hidden among the greenery, is a testimony to an era when Pomerania played an important role in the political arena of Prussia. There are indications that it was Chancellor Bismarck who funded the construction of Villa Red in Ustka. However, there is no clear evidence of this, and the original name Villa Westphal rather points to the Slupsk industrialist and owner of the brickyard Conrad Westphal.

Photo by Włodzimierz Jacek Adamski, 2017, Shared by Portal Dwory i Pałace Polski

Route of manors and palaces around Ustka

The Ustka area is not only beaches and coastal climate, but also rich history hidden within the walls of old mansions. For guests of Villa Red, looking for unusual attractions, the trail of mansions and palaces provides an excellent opportunity to learn about local history and architecture.

We encourage you to discover these places and share your impressions with other guests of Villa Red.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where to look for accommodation in Ustka?

Villa Red in Ustka is a great option for those looking for an atmospheric place with soul and history. Located in a picturesque area, it offers comfort and a unique atmosphere. Of course, you'll also find many other options in Ustka - from large hotels to intimate guesthouses to private apartments.

Is it possible to book a room at Villa Red?

Yes. Villa Red is an ideal hotel in Ustka for those who want to feel the spirit of the old aristocracy, but with full modern comfort. It is worth checking room availability and planning your stay in advance.

Is the Ustka area rich in historical attractions?

Definitely! As this article shows, the area around Ustka is a real basin of historic mansions and palaces. They are the perfect complement to a holiday stay by the sea. Just a few, or a dozen minutes' drive from Ustka, you can immerse yourself in ancient history.

Is a guesthouse in Ustka a better option than a hotel?

The choice depends on your preferences. A guesthouse in Ustka often offers a more intimate and family atmosphere, ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. Hotels, on the other hand, may provide a wider range of services, such as a spa, swimming pool or restaurant. Villa Red combines the intimacy of a guesthouse with the comforts of a hotel, making it an attractive choice.