LTV's 'Culture Shock' program showed pictures revealing the parlous state of the buildings at the moment.
After dealing with the roof and the supporting structures of the castle, the rest of the reconstruction works of the palace will likely take place at a slower pace, seeking funding separately for each stage of the building's restoration, according to the new owner of Kaucminde, architect Aiva Dreimane-Ozolzīle.
Experts interviewed by LTV said that while deep pockets are not the only prerequisite for restoring such a vast historic property, they certainy are an important factor.
The manor, built around 1780 in the style of early classicism, came to its new owner in August after decades of abandonment, and the first clean-up efforts have involved a team of local volunteers who wish to see the palace return to its former glory.
Taking a look around the ramshackle building, it is clear that the owners description of the building being "problematic in places" is something of an understatement.
Aiva Dreimane-Ozolzīle does not hide that Kaucminde manor exerted a strange attraction: "I had visited before the purchase and was aware of what I was dealing with, but considering the situation in connection with the fact that my specialty is in the construction industry, I do not consider that she's broken, definitely not. There's a lot to do, there's a lot to do, but she can be saved. That's for sure," said the new owner.
