The dream of owning your own castle in Germany
What does it take to save a castle? Money, of course. Craftsmanship as well. But the most important key is often in your mind—or rather: in your heart. The NDR film “Key to the Castle” impressively documents the dedication of people who not only own castles but bring them to life. Three special places are at the center: Bredeneek Castle, Wedendorf Castle, and Holdenstedt Castle. Three stories that inspire you to take action yourself.
Bredeneek Castle – The Life’s Work of a Tireless Achiever
Amidst the gentle hills of Schleswig-Holstein near Preetz stands Bredeneek Castle. Its builder: Jürgen Paustian. The former building contractor discovered the dilapidated castle by chance—today, it is his life’s work.
What started as a decaying old building is now an impressive estate with:
- more than 50 rooms,
- about 5,000 m² of space,
- authentically restored interiors,
- lovingly refurbished historic furniture,
- an event space including castle café,
- and a castle chapel, now used for weddings.
Paustian is not a man of many words, but of action. He did almost everything himself—sanding floors, making new window frames, reconstructing ceiling wallpapers. Especially impressive: he uses old templates and recreates missing features with exact precision.
His goal? The castle should remain open. For visitors, for events—for the community. Even during the pandemic, Paustian took a stand. He took in a refugee Ukrainian family with eight children and prepared an apartment for them within the castle. A gesture of humanity—not just preservation.
His secret? “You have to leave the city’s pace behind to fit in at the castle.”
Wedendorf Castle – From Event Hotel to Clinic?
The second castle featured is in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: Wedendorf Castle, not far from the lake of the same name. Built around 1810 in classical style, it was long a secret tip for major events—seminars, weddings, conferences.
But now, change is coming. On the market for a long time, with a reported price of 8 million euros, a suitable buyer was finally found—or rather, he came from the family itself. Hubert Haupt, son of the previous owner Katharina Haupt, now takes over the management.
The planned new use? A psychiatric clinic with:
- 30 apartments,
- quiet spaces in the castle park,
- a combination of medical care and historic atmosphere.
The long-term hotel manager Syster Petzold remains loyal to the house—as commercial director. She knows every room, every memory, every problem. Her verdict: “We’ve been waiting for the prince. Now he’s here.”
This change does not come without criticism. Some locals worry about access to the park. But those responsible assure: the castle and park will remain open to the public.
Holdenstedt Castle – Culture Instead of Vacancy
The third featured castle is in Lower Saxony, in Holdenstedt near Uelzen. A baroque gem surrounded by an English park. For years it belonged to the city, used for cultural purposes—but it was also a financial burden.
After several years on the market, it was eventually sold to Thies Boysen—a manager from the healthcare industry. He convinced with a sustainable concept:
- Preserving its cultural use,
- events such as concerts and exhibitions,
- integration of the local art association,
- planned new buildings on the park edge for senior living.
Boysen emphasizes: “I want to create, not to possess.” For him, the castle is a stage—for culture, community, and the future.
He too encounters some opposition from local residents, but meets it with transparency and dialogue. The city is satisfied: the sale is a success, the usage concept convincing.
Three Paths, One Goal: Preservation with Heart and a Plan
What connects these three places?
- Love for the old—without getting stuck in the past.
- Courage to embrace change—but with care.
- Opening up to society—instead of drawing elitist boundaries.
Whether it’s Paustian’s masterpiece of craftsmanship, Haupt’s family decision, or Boysen’s cultural vision—all show: castles can be alive. It just takes courage, perseverance, and an idea.
Your Key to the Castle—Get Involved!
This film is not a nostalgic reverie. It’s a call to action:
- Visit Bredeneek Castle during an event weekend!
- Ask for a guided tour in Wedendorf!
- Contact the cultural events in Holdenstedt!
Or—start a project of your own. Eastern Germany has many vacant manor houses, mansions, and villas. Some for €100,000—others almost as a gift, if you count your dedication.
👉 Our tip: On ost-immobilien.com you’ll regularly find unique properties with history. Maybe your future project is already waiting.
Want to visit one of the castles from the film?
Here are the addresses:
- Bredeneek Castle: Am Schloss 3, 24211 Lehmkuhlen
- Wedendorf Castle: Hauptstraße 1, 19217 Wedendorfersee
- Holdenstedt Castle: Schlossstraße 14, 29525 Uelzen
You’ll also find them in our East Germany Property Map:
Do you agree?
The film “Key to the Castle” shows: castles are not cold monuments, but living places. They challenge us—with work, but also with new possibilities.
For those who commit, there is more than just a roof overhead: identity, purpose, community. Perhaps your key has already been found—you just have to turn it.
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