Villa Hold, Protected heritage building in Feldbach, Austria

Villa Hold is a neo-Gothic villa built between 1890 and 1892 to plans by Graz architect August Gunolt, standing on Kirchenplatz between the parish church and the Hauptplatz in Feldbach. The protected building has a facade with tall windows and a decorated entrance area.

Josefine Hold, widow of brewer Engelbert Hold, had the villa built between 1890 and 1892 to plans by Graz architect August Gunolt. Financial difficulties forced her to sell the brewery and villa in 1902. The local savings bank bought the building in 1918 and adapted it for bank use with prisoner-of-war labour. In 1973 it passed to the municipal music school and singing association, and since 16 June 2023 it has housed Feldbach's town administration.

The building hosts a music school that offers lessons to young people from the area. This institution shapes the cultural life of Feldbach and makes the villa a center for artistic education.

The building is easy to spot from the outside and sits within walking distance of the parish church in central Feldbach. Visitors can admire the architecture and details from the street, though they should check ahead to see if interior areas are open for viewing.

Josefine Hold, who commissioned the villa, was the widow of brewer Engelbert Hold, a nephew of Franz Hold of Puntigam Brewery. Financial trouble forced her to sell both the brewery and the villa in 1902. In 1918 the local savings bank bought the building and had it adapted for bank use by prisoners of war.