Beesenstedt: Life in the castle - driven by vision and heart

A castle in the country – with a future

Schloss Beesenstedt in the Saale district of Saxony-Anhalt was built in 1894 as the manor house of industrialist Hermann Nette and expanded in 1915 with a second wing by the renowned architect Paul Schultze-Naumburg. Once a Masonic lodge, the listed estate was acquired privately in 1996 and has since been run with an especially remarkable usage concept. Behind this development stands a man and his team who is more than just an owner – he is a visionary, a host and a dedicated castle keeper.

In addition to Schloss Beesenstedt, his portfolio also includes the Krüger Estate further north. However, since successfully managing one castle leaves little room for another project, he is now offering Schloss Preußlitz for sale – to individuals with a sense for historic heritage and the courage to bring new ideas to life.

Table of contents

1. A place that feels like home
2. Freedom on 7,000 square meters
3. A stage for special moments
4. A hidden gem with impact
5. Collaboration instead of resistance
6. Between roof, heritage and perseverance
7. Why here, of all places?
8. The night the castle lit up
9. What remains – and what changes
10. A place that grows with you
11. From dreaming to responsibility
12. No castle without passion
13. When people fall silent
14. How the region sees the castle
15. Not competition – but an alternative vision

1. Mr Mey, do you remember the moment you first set foot in the castle? What struck you at the time – and what ultimately convinced you to buy it?

Back in the early 1990s, my partner and I had started touring castles and manor houses across the former East Germany. There was this catalog from the Treuhand agency listing every single property. We had already visited quite a few when we arrived in Beesenstedt. The moment I stepped inside, I felt an overwhelming sense of familiarity – as if I had come home. That deep emotional connection was what stayed with me, and in the end, it was what made me decide to take on the castle.

2. Many dream of owning a castle – few actually do it. What motivated you to take that step?

For me, it was the idea of freedom – not in an abstract sense, but something tangible, spread across 7,000 square meters of history. Schloss Beesenstedt is a remarkable building, expanded in 1915 by the renowned architect Paul Schultze-Naumburg and outfitted with striking architectural details – a true masterpiece by the standards of its time. I’m fascinated by how much history and character these walls hold. The original owners only had three years to enjoy this architecture. I consider it a great privilege to live in a place that breathes not only space but time – and to be able to share that atmosphere with others. That was, and still is, my motivation.

3. You have established the castle as an event venue. What kinds of events take place here – and who is the place made for?

Schloss Beesenstedt is not a traditional hotel; it is exclusively rented as a whole for events. Spanning over 7,000 m², the estate offers 100 individually designed rooms, many with bathrooms, a fully equipped bar, several dance floors, and a spacious spa and wellness area with a pool. In addition, the castle features multiple historic halls, uniquely decorated lounges, five large ground-floor halls, and a conservatory. Each space is staged with care — some boasting original fireplaces, a grand piano, artworks, or rare book collections — creating the perfect setting for a wide range of events.

We regularly host weddings, private celebrations, and family gatherings. Renowned artists, musicians, and film and theater productions — including Rammstein and Wim Wenders — have also used the castle as a creative retreat.

In recent years, demand from the corporate sector has grown steadily: companies like SumUp, DocMorris, and the Boston Consulting Group have held events here, and even international hackers come for team offsites. Schloss Beesenstedt has also made a name in the international cultural scene — notably through “Burning Bär,” an offshoot of the legendary US festival Burning Man.

Schloss Beesenstedt is a place for those seeking the extraordinary.

4. A castle in a rural location isn’t a given success. How do you manage to attract people from all over Germany – and beyond?

Over the years, Schloss Beesenstedt has become a genuine insider tip. What draws people in is the unique atmosphere: living for a few days in a castle, wandering through historic rooms, getting lost in the architecture, and at the same time being part of a special occasion – it’s an immersive experience that stays with you.

Thanks to ongoing events, personal recommendations, and not least prominent guests and international productions, Schloss Beesenstedt has long established a reputation far beyond its region.

5. Was there skepticism from the local community? How did the region and municipality respond to your plans?

At the beginning, there was certainly some skepticism – which is understandable for a project of this scale, especially in a rural setting. From the outset, it was important for us to involve the neighbors and the community. For film and theater productions, for example, extras were regularly needed – whether for scenes in the castle courtyard, the surrounding fields, or the nearby forest. Many of these roles were filled by locals from the village and region. This kind of participation was very well received: it breathes new life into the community and sparks conversations. Today, the castle is a natural part of everyday life here. Whether it’s buses or luxury cars – anyone coming to Beesenstedt is heading to the castle.

6. Balancing heritage protection, fire safety, and budget – what has been the biggest challenge in developing the castle so far?

Surprisingly, heritage protection has never been a major issue. We either carefully restored the historic elements or left them as they were – and that’s exactly what everyone wants. The preservation authorities see that we take the project seriously and are glad that instead of decay, there’s passionate conservation underway.

Fire safety is a different story – that’s where things get tricky. Modern regulations meet old walls, and often creative solutions are required. Luckily, everyone involved sits at the same table, understanding that such a project can’t be financed out of petty cash. Everyone knows: a lot of money and effort go into preservation here.

The biggest challenge? Without a doubt, the huge roof areas and installing countless bathrooms in a building that was never designed for them. This isn’t something you plan and implement overnight. It takes nerves of steel, a solid team, and a lot of patience.

7. What makes this place - far from the big cities - so special for your guests?

Renting an entire castle exclusively for yourself and your guests is a unique experience—and that’s exactly what makes Schloss Beesenstedt stand out. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, visitors find something increasingly rare today: peace, space, and the freedom to shape their stay exactly as they wish.

Whether in the historic dining hall, the expansive gardens, the bar, the club, the spa with pool, or—for the particularly adventurous—the old dungeon, the variety of spaces invites guests to relax, explore, and create memorable moments.

8. Is there an event that stands out in your memory? One where you thought: This is exactly what we created this for?

Yes, there is. One event that remains particularly vivid in my mind is the “White Night” staged by the Central Theater Leipzig at Schloss Beesenstedt in early summer 2013. The entire castle was bathed in white light throughout the night thanks to elaborate light installations—a striking backdrop for an extraordinary night of theater.

Throughout the building, there were staged readings and performances centered on Russian authors, including Tolstoy, for whom I have a special fondness. Meanwhile, in the garden, a rough cut of a “War and Peace” film was screened, which had been filmed here on site in the days leading up to the event.

My private library holds a great deal of Russian literature. This “White Night” was for me an evening that brought the castle to life in a very special way. An unforgettable experience—for the theater people, the guests, and myself.

9. How have you changed the castle - and what have you deliberately left untouched?

For 17 years now, my family and I have lived at Schloss Beesenstedt. We created a private apartment in one wing — a retreat especially for the children that offers privacy while staying at the heart of the castle’s life.

When developing the castle further, it was important to me to treat the historic fabric with respect while adding contemporary touches. Today, classical architecture meets modern furnishings, a stylish bar stands alongside elegant wood paneling, and the spa area with pool connects the main building to the outbuildings with grace.

At the same time, we invested heavily in technical infrastructure: electrical systems, plumbing, and installations have all been completely updated to meet today’s standards.

10. What advice would you give to others considering opening a historic property for events or cultural use?

First and foremost: let go of perfectionism. Taking on a historic property means you can’t plan everything perfectly from the start. What matters more is to move in, get to know the place, and grow with it.

Personally, I found great inspiration in the architectural theorist Christopher Alexander and his book A Pattern Language. His principle is that spaces don’t reveal themselves all at once but develop step by step. Decisions about what belongs where come from a dialogue with the building — not against, but in harmony with its history and structure.

Over time, this creates an atmosphere that doesn’t feel forced or artificial but emerges naturally from the place itself. Anyone willing to embrace this process can create a property that works not only aesthetically but also emotionally — for both hosts and guests.

11. How does your perspective on a castle change when you go from dreaming about it to being the one responsible?

Owning a castle sounds like a romantic dream to many – but in reality, it quickly becomes a complex undertaking. Passion alone is not enough; it must be combined with solid business sense. It’s about organization, maintenance, guest care, finances – and most of all, people.

Whether in 1915 or 2025, a property of this size can only be managed with a dedicated team. Many of our staff live right on the grounds and feel deeply connected to the place. They don’t just support the castle—they help shape it. Their commitment is one of the main reasons this place remains so vibrant.

My role is not only to be a manager but to take responsibility for the team—professionally and personally. While the hierarchy may have shifted compared to the past, the core principle remains the same.

12. What role does personal passion play in a project that demands so much time, money, and energy like a castle?

It plays a crucial role. Without passion, you simply can’t carry a project like this for years—especially not through the inevitable highs and lows. I even spent some time living in Los Angeles, needing distance and a completely different environment. But in the end, it was exactly that which brought me back: the unique energy of this place, the freedom it offers, and a connection that goes far beyond mere ownership.

13. How can you tell if a guest has truly been moved by this place? Are there typical reactions when people arrive here for the first time?

I often notice that people fall silent when they arrive. Many pause briefly and take in their surroundings with focused attention. Sometimes it takes a few minutes before they truly settle in, as if they need to tune into the unique atmosphere.

Someone is truly touched when they come back or share their experience with others. I don’t do any advertising. Everything that happens here grows from word of mouth, from genuine enthusiasm. The castle thrives because people carry its spirit forward.

14. How important is the castle as a symbol of regional identity - and how do you experience that in daily life?

Since the castle is privately managed and primarily functions as an event venue, it plays a somewhat different role in the region than it would as a museum. As a traditional symbol of regional identity, it is less prominently recognized.

15. You’re not competing with city hotels, but with dreams. How do you position yourself as a provider?

We focus on what a traditional castle cannot offer: atmosphere, history, and the feeling of being part of something unique. Visitors don’t come here just for a place to sleep but for a space with soul. The saying by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Architecture is frozen music, guides our approach, creating rooms that resonate, echo, and move people. We don’t stage luxury but invite guests to slow down and experience moments that linger in memory, precisely because they are far from ordinary.

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Many thanks to Mr. Armin Mey for the insightful interview and fascinating perspectives on Schloss Beesenstedt.

The conversation was conducted by Inga Rück from Berlin in May 2025.