Manor house in Latvia (7)

Sigulda Castle, also referred to as Sigulda New Castle (Siguldas jaunā pils in Latvian), was constructed in 1878, showcasing the neo-Gothic architectural style. Originally intended as the residence for the Kropotkin family, owners of the manor, its ownership and purpose underwent multiple alterations over time. Since 1993, the Sigulda Region Council has been situated within the castle's premises.The Sigulda manor's focal point, evolving from the Sigulda Medieval Castle's fore-castle during the 17th century, boasts 18th and 19th-century structures linked to the Von Borghs and Kropotkins. Notable among these are the Summer Castle, New Castle, White Castle, vagar's house, servants' quarters, a barn, laundry, and a fruit and vegetable cellar. Enclosed by rugged boulder walls and a grand gate structure, this central area retains historical charm. The New Castle, constructed between 1878 and 1881 during Duchess Olga and Duke Dimitry Kropotkins' tenure, reused materials from a 17th-century predecessor. Built in neo-Gothic style by Jānis Mengelis, its architectural value lies in Gothic elements and the hues of repurposed boulders. The panoramic view from its windows encompasses the Gauja River valley, Sigulda castle ruins, Krimulda, and Turaida. Following World War I, the castle was destroyed, later becoming the Writers’ Castle in 1922, hosting literary figures and undergoing substantial restoration. In 1934, the Latvian Press Society acquired the castle, initiating significant reconstruction led by architect August Birkhans in 1936–1937. The tower was heightened, the terrace expanded, and modern interior design introduced, shaping it into a prominent example of national modern design in the Baltic region. The monument of Atis Kronvalds was unveiled in 1938. Post-war, it served various purposes, including housing for high state officials and a rehabilitation center until Latvian independence restoration. From 1993 to 2002, it housed the Sigulda City Council, transitioning to the Sigulda District Council from 2003 onwards. The adjacent Summer Castle, fashioned in classicism style, initially served as an orthodox church before being remodeled for various uses. Additionally, the former brewery was transformed into an art gallery within the Sigulda manor.

The Rundāle Palace (Rundāles pils in Latvian; formerly known as Schloss Ruhental or Ruhendahl in German) stands as one of the principal Baroque palaces constructed for the Dukes of Courland in present-day Latvia, alongside Jelgava Palace. Erected in two stages, first from 1736 to 1740 and then from 1764 to 1768, the palace resides in Pilsrundāle, situated within the Rundāle Parish, Bauska Municipality, in the Semigallia region, merely 12 km west of Bauska.The Rundāle Palace, commissioned by Duke of Courland Ernst Johann von Biron in 1735, was built on the site of an old medieval castle. Constructed in stages by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the palace faced delays due to resource allocation to another project, Jelgava Palace. After Biron's exile, the palace remained incomplete until 1768 when its construction resumed. Johann Michael Graff adorned it with ornate stucco decorations. Over time, the palace changed hands, eventually passing to the Shuvalov family before suffering damage during World War I and Latvian War of Independence. It served various purposes, from school to museum, and underwent extensive restoration, finally completing in 2015. It's a prominent tourist site and a museum, preserving its rich history and serving as a residence for foreign dignitaries.

Varakļāni Palace (Latvian: Varakļānu muižas pils) is a palace in Varakļāni, Varakļāni Municipality in the historical region of Latgale, in Latvia. After the end of the Livonian War in 1583, von der Borch family acquired the Vark castle district, it was called 'Vark land' (German: Warkland , Warkelen). The palace was designed by the Italian architect Vincenzo Macotti at the request of the estate owner, the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth diplomat Count Michael Johann von der Borch. Construction started in 1783 and completed in 1789. After the death of Count M. Borch in 1810, his wife, Eleonor Christine (1766-1844), and later their son, Charles Borch (1798-1861), whose daughter Mary married Pavel Roman Sangushko, operated the palace. Kovelski ( Sanguszko-Kowelski , 1834–1876). After his death, the manor was inherited by their daughter, Teresa Sanguško-Kovelskaya (1864-1954). After Latvian Agrarian Reform in 1920s Varaklani Manor was nationalized and subdivided. From 1921 to 1944 the Varaklani State Gymnasium, later until 1961 the senior classes of Varaklani High School, operated in the castle. At the end of World War II the castle was a military hospital. The building housed the Varakļāni secondary school from 1921 to 1960. In the mid-1980s the castle conservation works begin. At the entrance of the castle there is a memorial plaque for the linguist Leonard Latkovsky. Since 1997, the castle has housed the Varaklani Regional Museum, which since 2009 has been the Tourist Information Center. The palace and grounds are currently administered by the town of Varakļāni.

Preļi Castle was built during the first half of the 19th century when it belonged to count Jozef Heinrich Borch (1764-1835) who was commander of the Order of Malta. Later, during the tenure of his son Michael Borch, (1806-1881) castle was rebuilt between 1860 and 1865 in the fashionable English neo-Gothic style by architect G. Shacht. The asymmetric form of the building and prominent decorated towers created the image of a fairytale castle. Mouldings and sculptures in the niches of the facade added extra glamour. The magnificent interior featured sumptuous dark oak panelling. Since the fire in 1978 the building was abandoned for a long time. In 2016 renovation of the Preļi Castle started.

Dundaga Palace, built in the 13th century has witnessed wars, changes of owners and has been rebuilt several times, it has burned twice, but restored again and expanded. Although the palace has been significantly modernised during the rebuilding process, it has still partly preserved its fortification character with a guard tower at the gate and a courtyard. Nowadays the palace is a place for celebrations, wedding parties and a comfortable accommodation. The Culture Centre and the Arts and Music School is also located in the palace. There is a small island called Kalnadarzs at the end of the palace. It was used as a fortification in the past, but during the 18th century a garden was arranged here.

The Vērgale manor building was built in the 18th century. It was rebuilt as a hunting castle in 1837, following the order of Baron von Behr. The castle was built in late classicism or empire style. The building was built as a two-story longitudinal building with a high base floor, a four-sided roof and two gabled central four column porticoes, in which the coats of arms of the Behr family have survived. The oak staircase and the door of the furnace have survived in the premises of the castle; flooring has survived to modern times in some premises. From 26 October 1922, the castle hosted the elementary school of Vērgale. The Vērgale manor park covering 3.5 hectares is magnificent; the rows of planted trees therein form a regular ornament. The park is of historic significance; in 1905, a number of the rebels of Vērgale were shot near the park trees by the punitive expedition. A rose garden was developed on one side of the castle park, rose plants used to be imported even from Italy. The locals recall that, in the old times, when cattle were driven to the cattle-shed to get protection from gadflies at noon, the girls tending the cattle would slip away to the place to admire the blooming roses. The Vērgale manor building complex has been created on the basis of symmetrical building ensemble principles. There is a front yard in front of the castle, made by two symmetrical located buildings facing each other, which, despite having been heavily reconstructed, preserve many details characteristic to the classicism style. What used to be a servants' room now hosts a library, utility facilities, and boys' handicraft classroom. The former barn hosts the house of cultural activities and the parish authority. The Vergale parish museum is located in one of the buildings of the Vērgale manor building complex, in the former distillery. It has very old unique exhibits (stone axes and ancient bronze jewellery). One of the largest chimney fireplaces in Kurzeme has survived in the building. A chimney fireplace is a hearth with an open fire for cooking, the smoke whereof is cleared from the room through an open chimney passage. The Vērgale manor building ensemble is one of the most peculiar empire style manor complexes in Kurzeme.

Neoclassical manor house located in Tukums, in the historical region of Zemgale, in Latvia. One of the most interesting classical manor houses in Latvia. Today it houses part of the Tukums Museum collection. The core of the current building dates from 1671. In 1820, Count Christoph Johann von Medem commissioned Johann Gottfried Adam Berlitz to remodel the façade completely. From 1789 to 1808, Ernst Karl Philip von Grothus used the property as a summerhouse. The family of Baron von der Recke owned the manor from the 1848 to 1920, when the agrarian reform began. In 1923, Durbe manor was presented to famous Latvian writer and playwright Rainis, who owned it until his death in 1929. However, Rainis used to live there for only short periods and mostly used the manor as a vacation house for teachers and their families. Later the manor was used as sanatorium for tubercular patients and as a hospital.