Eleja Manor

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In 1753, when Count Jochan Friedrich von Medem bought Eleja Manor from Jochan Ulrich von Behr, there already was built little wooden Manor-house, Servants' House and some household buildings. The new Late Rococo style manor-house was built in 70s of the 18th century. In its origins this house was modest because baron was living in other residence - in Vecauce Manor. This house was rebuilt in 1813. In the beginning of the 20th century manor-house was used as major-domo's house. Count's son Carl Jochann Friedrich von Medem called Janno became the proprietor of this heirloom in 1785. Since that time starts new live in this estate. The building of new architectural ensemble of manor complex for count started in 1806 and it almost was completed four years later. The new palace project was designed by famous architect J. G. A. Berlitz using study by Italian architect J. Qarengi. This was representative Classicism style building that characterise landlords' life-style of that time-period. There also was created romantic English style landscape park. There have preseved only some parts of this majestic building after ruining done by Russian army done during the 1st World War. The main frontyard is surrounded by stone fence decorated with arcades and sfinxes. Fence also separates household part and park from the main road to the manor-house. Eldest buildings that are located at the oposite sides of the household yard are the old manor-house and granary. Interesting fact is that the old granary in its origins was built as a theatre and was rebuilt in 1813. In 1915 Russian Army destroyed most of all household buildings and palace. Only the Granary and Major-domo's House have preserved of the original structures. After the agrarian reform in 1920 all lands of this estate were partitioned and manor complex become the property of local rural commune. During Soviet times the Major-domo's House was used for school, later also for flats. Other buildings were ruined till 1957 excep theatre house that was renovated. Now this former manor has become a private property.