On the eastern side of Ustka hides a villa district that has been delighting for more than a century. Its history dates back to the late nineteenth century, when the arrival of the railroad in 1878 opened the door to the town's dynamic development. Thanks to easier access, Ustka became an attractive resort not only for tourists, but also for wealthy investors.

It was here that entrepreneurs, artists and representatives of the elite began to erect stately residences that still adorn the seaside landscape today. Many of them, like the famous Villa Red, have survived in almost unchanged form, delighting in the details and atmosphere of bygone eras.

The beginnings of the villa district in Ustka

The development of this part of the city began after 1878, when Ustka gained a fast and convenient railroad connection to Slupsk and soon to Berlin. As a result, it became a fashionable vacation spot for representatives of the Prussian aristocracy, wealthy industrialists and artists. In the northern part of Ustka, right next to the beach, a villa district was established with magnificent residences with richly decorated facades and unique architectural details.

Villas were built on a grand scale - they were distinguished by high towers, risalits, ornate portals and spacious terraces. The interiors were decorated with real taste: wooden paneling, carved furniture, colorful stained glass windows and wallpaper painted on calfskin attested to the high status of their owners.

Art Nouveau gems - preserved architectural treasures

One of the most beautiful villas in Ustka 's villa district is the one on the corner of Chopin and Zeromski Streets, built in 1909 for the Westphal family. It is an example of Art Nouveau in its purest form - with decorative cornices, stained glass windows, carved cupboards and ceiling paintings. After World War II, it housed the Creative Work House of the Artists' Union, and the interiors have retained their original charm.

Equally impressive is the villa at 5 Kopernika Street, designed in 1914 by Hans Herrmann for General Wühlisch. A monumental entrance portal supported by four columns leads to a vestibule with paneling, a representative staircase and an ornate ceiling. Herrmann also planned a surrounding garden with sculptures and carefully planned greenery.

Street stories - Żeromskiego, Mickiewicza and Liberty Square

Walking down Zeromskiego Street toward the sea, we pass villas built before 1900. Prominent here, among others, is a building with an imposing veranda clad in wooden ornamentation, and a corner house with a Gothic tower covered with a tent roof. On Mickiewicza Street it is worth noting Art Nouveau risalits, rusticated corners and original cornices.

6 Liberty Square is an example of 1913 architecture, where attention is drawn to concave balconies with decorative balustrades and a striking entrance portal. A ceiling painting has been preserved in the vestibule, which takes us back to the atmosphere of the early 20th century.

Wooden accents and Norwegian inspiration

A unique monument is the wooden villa at 3 Zeromskiego Street - the only surviving Norwegian-style building in Ustka. This style was popularized by Kaiser Wilhelm II, referring to the heritage of the Goths and Vikings. The building is decorated with intricately carved exteriors and a beautiful wooden staircase.

Villa Red - an icon of the coastal landscape

A special place in the history of Ustka is occupied by Villa Red, formerly known as Conrad Westphal's villa. Built in 1886, it combines elegance with a unique location right on the beach. Its distinctive terraces, ornate dormers, rustication and architectural details make it one of the most recognizable buildings in the city. Today, Villa Red once again hosts tourists, offering comfortable interiors and an old-world atmosphere.

Ustka villa district today

Although many of the buildings have changed their functions - becoming hotels, boarding houses or private homes - they have retained their original character. A walk through this part of Ustka is a journey in time, during which you can feel the atmosphere of the resort more than 100 years ago.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where is the villa district in Ustka located?

The villa district lies in the eastern part of Ustka, in close proximity to the beach and promenade.

Can the villas in Ustka be visited?

Most of the buildings are privately owned or serve as hotels. Many of them can be admired from the outside while walking around.

What is distinctive about the architecture of Ustka's villas?

Turrets, verandas, arched windows, wrought iron balustrades, rich ornamentation and Art Nouveau details are characteristic.

What is Villa Red?

Villa Red is a historic 1886 mansion, considered one of the most beautiful in Ustka. It now operates as a boutique hotel right on the beach.

What is the best way to visit the villa district?

The best way is on foot - walking along Żeromskiego, Mickiewicza, Chopin streets and Liberty Square, you can discover the most interesting examples of Art Nouveau architecture.