Švarcmuiža, Manor in Kurzeme District, Latvia.
Švarcmuiža is a three-story manor house in the Kurzeme District that contains twelve rooms on the ground floor, including kitchen, storage, and staff areas. The structure spans approximately 960 square meters with various functional zones distributed across all levels.
John Lowis Balfour acquired the estate in 1837 and commissioned the current building, which was completed around 1850. The manor thus dates to the mid-19th century and reflects the architectural style of that period.
The main hallway displays color choices and ornamental details from the 19th century that reflect how affluent families of that era designed their homes. These elements give insight into the aesthetic values that mattered to residents at the time.
The manor is best explored by starting on the ground floor and working your way up to see the different room types throughout the building. The site is most enjoyable when you allow enough time to observe the details in each space.
The dining room still preserves its original built-in buffet with all its 19th-century details intact. Each guest room displays different wall colors, showing how visitors were housed in distinctly colored spaces back then.
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