Back

The historic farmstead in Dlouhomilov shines once again. A sensitive restoration has breathed new life into this unique property

16. 6. 2026

Lukáš Klapil

In the village of Dlouhomilov in the Šumperk region stands a building that has shaped local life for centuries. The historic manor house, a two-story rural estate with farm buildings, now showcases the beauty of traditional Upper Haná architecture once again following extensive restoration. The restoration of this unique complex—comprising the main manor house, a barn, and a granary—has breathed new life into one of the region’s most valuable historic structures. The project’s investors are Michaela and Petr Slíva; the construction work was carried out by the HSF System construction group.

The historic farmstead stands above the village near the church and, even from a distance, serves as a natural landmark of the landscape. For generations, it was a symbol of the village’s economic and social life. Today, it is an exceptionally valuable example of traditional rural architecture in Upper Haná. The complex is part of the village’s historic preservation zone and was declared a cultural monument of the Czech Republic in 2002.

“From a historical, architectural, and urban planning perspective, the town hall building can be described as an exceptionally valuable structure. It has preserved a number of authentic structures, craftsmanship details, and original architectural elements. We consulted with heritage preservation experts on all material and color choices,” describes Pavel Obrusník, chief construction manager, HSF System construction group.

The farmstead itself is a typical example of the pinnacle of traditional farmsteads in the Horní Haná region. Originally a Baroque manor house, it was significantly rebuilt in the mid-19th century and enhanced with a Neo-Renaissance façade. The residential house, stable, and barn together form a characteristic semi-enclosed courtyard with an arcaded embankment, one of the most distinctive features of the entire estate.

“When we first saw the farmhouse, we were immediately enchanted by its atmosphere. It was clear that this was not just a house, but a place with a rich history and soul. From the start, we wanted to restore its beauty with the utmost respect for what had been created here before us. Our goal was to bring this place back to life and preserve it for future generations,” say Michaela and Petr Slíva, the project’s investors.

The renovation was carried out with exceptional sensitivity to the historical value of all the buildings. Exterior alterations were kept to a minimum and focused primarily on the courtyard area of the complex. Most of the construction work took place inside the buildings, where it was necessary to adapt the layouts to their current use without compromising the historical character of the structures.

The original vaults, historical structures, and numerous authentic details have been preserved. New additions were designed to blend naturally with the original architecture. Significant attention was paid, for example, to replicas of the historic casement windows. The new windows were created based on original designs and crafted from solid, unjoined ash wood. Exterior doors, gates, and other elements were made from oak and larch wood.

“Projects like this require the utmost sensitivity and deep respect for the original craftsmanship. Every detail had to be carefully considered to successfully blend historical authenticity with the demands of modern use. Preserving as much of the original structure as possible while restoring the building to full functionality was a major challenge for the entire team,” says Pavel Obrusník.

The roofs of all the buildings also underwent a major transformation. The original, unsuitable roof trusses were replaced with new structures, and the old asbestos roofing gave way to new graphite-colored shingle roofing. Nevertheless, the original roof pitches and ridge heights were preserved, as they significantly contribute to the character of the entire estate. Elegant arched dormers in the shape of an ox’s eye have also appeared on the roofs.

The courtyard of the complex was also thoughtfully landscaped. The paved areas consist of traditional stone cobblestone paving, which ties in with the historical character of the site. The unpaved sections were grassed and complemented by understated landscaping. A newly planted tree, complemented by ornamental and useful plants, has become a key feature of the courtyard.

The renovation also extended to the farm buildings. The former barn has been converted into a social space featuring a wine bar, technical facilities, and a garage. The original vaults were preserved and cleaned to highlight their authentic structure. The barn now serves as a utility building for storing equipment and tools.

“The restored village hall thus remains not only a significant part of the village’s historical fabric, but also a demonstration that even exceptionally valuable historical buildings can, after sensitive reconstruction, once again fully serve the present without losing their authenticity and unique charm,” adds Pavel Obrusník.

Media contact: Lukáš Klapil, Crest Communications Ostrava, Mob.: +420 603 824 194, E-mail: klapil@crestmorava.cz