The Stobnica Castle… a housing estate!? Will people be able to live there?

Live in a castle like a prince? It once seemed that this type of architecture was a thing of the past, replaced by suburban and forest villas or high-rise apartments in the glass towers of city centers as the new symbols of luxury. Interestingly, the old-world “castleness,” closeness to nature, and the ability to observe the surroundings from above are all combined in… Zamek w Stobnicy. This controversial development in Greater Poland is set to offer over 40 residential units. So, with a sufficiently deep pocket, could you feel like a prince or princess?

The view from the highest chamber in the tallest tower of Stobnica must be breathtaking. To enjoy it every day—instead of slaying a dragon or wooing the princess who lives there (or both)—you’ll probably just need the right amount of cash. This mysterious development in picturesque Wielkopolska is gradually revealing more and more of its secrets.

From a 2020 article in “Głos Wielkopolski,” we learn, for example, that the Stobnica Castle has as many as 15 floors. The skeleton of this seemingly medieval structure has been divided—apart from utility rooms, corridors, halls, etc.—into 46 residential units. These units are to vary in shape and size. The entire castle will be able to house around 97 residents, while the staff for this enormous complex will consist of only 10 people.

Stobnica Castle. Will it be possible to buy an apartment there in the future?

There has been a lot of speculation surrounding Stobnica. Initially, it was claimed to be a luxury hotel, but it could also be assumed that it is – in a sense – an exclusive residential estate. Or perhaps both? It seems almost certain that one day we will get to explore this modern take on a medieval manor from the inside. Whether it will be possible to stay there, even for a moment, remains to be seen.

In 2023, a paid Forest Educational Path was opened around the Stobnica Castle, allowing visitors to admire the building’s exterior facade. On May 11 and 12, 2024, the first “Siege of Stobnica” – a medieval-themed event – is scheduled to take place there.

For now, however—as we read on the Forest Educational Trail website—there is no possibility to visit the inside of the castle. And after all, it’s what’s hidden that intrigues us the most.

The Stobnica Castle remains controversial to this day, particularly due to its construction within the Natura 2000 area. The beautiful surroundings of the building come at a certain cost to the natural environment. To this day, a legal battle is ongoing in Polish courts over whether the castle should have been built there at all. Meanwhile, construction is progressing at full speed.