Schloss Grubhof, Protected castle in Sankt Martin bei Lofer, Austria.
Schloss Grubhof is a protected castle in Sankt Martin bei Lofer featuring a prominent tower, symmetrical wings, and a facade with elements of late 19th-century villa architecture. The complex now comprises 32 holiday apartments, an indoor swimming pool, and a restaurant serving regional cuisine.
The structure was first mentioned around 1300 as an episcopal fief and underwent major renovations between 1783 and 1785 under Baron Georg Franz Anton von Motzl. In 1892, industrialist Herrmann Schmidtmann commissioned architects Josef Wessicken and Jakob Ceconi to transform the medieval core into its current grand form.
The castle shows how medieval building styles evolved over centuries and gradually transformed into residential architecture of the 1800s. Visitors can see this blend of different periods in the facade and towers, which together tell the story of Austrian architectural history.
The location now functions as a hotel complex and is accessible to visitors during operating hours who wish to explore the architecture and grounds. It is best to check in advance which areas are open to day visitors, as parts of the complex are privately used.
The castle still displays the characteristic work of architects Wessicken and Ceconi, who skillfully combined the historical core with modern elements. Their designs shaped not only this building but also other significant structures of their era in the region.
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