Kossak Manor

A historic house that belonged to one of Poland's most prolific artistic dynasties has been voted one of the “Wonders of Poland,” following an extensive conversion project aided by EU funds.

The manor, which burnt to the ground in 1945, belonged to Zofia Kossak, a celebrated author and co-founder of Zegota, Poland's wartime Council to Aid Jews.

The house, which lies in the village of Gorki Wielkie, south west Poland, was no more than a ruin two years ago.

However, British-born Anne Fenby-Taylor, a granddaughter of Zofia Kossak, set in motion a bold conversion programme, bolstered by EU funds and donations from the extended Kossak family.

A state-of-the-art cultural centre – which is free to visitors - was opened within a portion of the manor late last year. The experience vividly conjures the fate of the Kossak family, as well as the pre-war atmosphere of the house.

The centre was pitted against projects from across the country in the annual contest, which is held under the title “Poland Beautifies – Seven Wonders from European Funds.”

The manor managed to scoop the public prize in an internet vote. Winners in other categories were the revamped Cloth Hall in Krakow, and the Copernicus Science Centre in Warsaw.

“I'd like to thank everybody who voted for us,” Fenby-Taylor told Polish Radio.

“We're delighted to have won, and we invite everyone down to Gorkie Wielkie to come and have a look.”

Mrs Fenby-Taylor, who now lives in Gorki Wielkie for much of the year, will also be hosting the fourth “Kossak Summer of Arts,” this June.

Polish Radio will be uploading a full report to tie in with the event. (nh)