An abandoned, fairy-tale-like manor house in Wölsickendorf by Silva Wischeropp

This nostalgic architectural photograph was taken with my Nikon D800 (lens: NIKKOR 18.0–70.0 mm f/3.5–4.5) in the late evening of 5 March 2021. I discovered this rural, deserted idyll on the grounds of the enchanting, old manor complex in Wölsickendorf in Märkisch-Oderland.

The Old Distillery in Wölsickendorf, situated within easy reach, is a unique monument and part of a listed manor complex in dire need of renovation.

A long history, dating back to 1375 when it was known as ‘Welsekendorp’, tells of arson and reconstruction, of the nobility and the manorial system – for example, that of the von Bredow family, who resided in parts of Brandenburg. A defining feature of Wölsickendorf is the manor complex, which was once among the most modern and largest of its kind.
Built and extended between 1843 and the 1920s, the estate grew steadily and was used for breeding cows, horses, pigs and sheep.
The entire estate complex, comprising the manor house, the distillery and the stables, is still partly flanked by the old estate wall.
The distillery was once used to produce alcohol from potatoes and beetroot. Unfortunately, the distilling equipment was removed in the early post-war years. Nevertheless, with its impressive uniqueness, the distillery stands alongside the estate as a landmark, serving today as a reminder of an almost forgotten era.
For lovers of forgotten places, spaces and times, this excursion in the Brandenburg region is a veritable treasure trove.
The nostalgic, rustic and slightly mystical motif is ideal for hanging in living rooms, bedrooms and studies.
The warm colour tone and the dark, mysterious and dramatic atmosphere of the image lend the motif a unique, individual charm.