The hunting lodge for the bishop at Vortová has been renovated for 17 million crowns

Vortová – The hunting lodge in the forests near Vortová in the Chrudim region has undergone a major renovation costing 17 million crowns. The villa was built 120 years ago as a summer residence for Bishop Josef Doubrava. During socialism, it served as a state forestry lodge, and after restitution, it was returned to the Catholic Church. Pavel Starý, managing director of the Diocesan Forests of Hradec Králové, told ČTK.

"A complete reconstruction took place. The entire building was drained, new windows were installed, a new roof covering was added; before there was eternit. What was possible was preserved, there are original wooden doors and coffered ceilings," Starý said.

The lodge, or villa Doubrava near Vortová, was created around 1905 as part of the bishop's estate in Hradec Králové. The bishop chose a location in the submountain landscape where he sought peace and recreation. The construction was completed at the end of 1906. The project was prepared by architect Josef Fanta, and the construction was led by builder František Šťovíček. The neo-Renaissance style building with Art Nouveau elements served the bishop for nature retreats and spiritual support.

Before 1989, the villa was used by the state forests; after the revolution, the state returned the property to the Catholic Church. According to Josef Dostál from the Renos company, the condition of the building was deplorable before the current renovation. Birch trees were growing from the gutters, and the rafters of the dormers had succumbed to destruction, he stated. The building has a cellar and three above-ground floors. Before the renovation, the building was inhabited by a forester. Now, the ground floor with offices, a meeting room, and a room will serve as a detached workplace for the Diocesan Forests of Hradec Králové. On the second floor, there is an apartment for company employees, and the top floor features a recreational apartment.

"The building is not under heritage protection; nonetheless, we carefully considered every detail. We renovated the building with great respect for its character and the place where it is located. The area around the lodge is also gradually being improved and will eventually receive park landscaping, just as it was at the time of the building's inception," Starý said.