Turning Heritage into Community: Reviving a Historic Manor through Innovation. Janis Lazdans

In the quiet curves of the Latvian countryside, in Northern Europe, just outside the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Kuldīga, stands Padure Manor — a 19th-century neoclassical building that, for many years, stood forgotten and silent. That changed when Janis Lazdans stepped in — a passionate owner, entrepreneur and historic building restorer who is now bringing fresh energy and innovation to this part of the world. Here is the story from Janis:

The First Encounter

I first saw Padure Manor in 2007. It was listed in a municipality auction — a beautiful but deteriorating building. At that time, I was actively working in real estate and already had a solid portfolio. The idea came quickly: this could become a one-of-a-kind guesthouse.

But then the 2008 financial crisis changed everything. Like many projects at the time, mine had to be put on hold. The manor remained in my hands, but nothing moved forward. For years, it waited. And so did I.

A Vision Rooted in Legacy

In 2015, I returned to Padure with a new perspective. This time, I wasn’t just thinking as a real estate investor, but as someone who wanted to do something meaningful — to bring history back in a way that people today could connect with.

My goal wasn’t just to renovate a building. I wanted to bring it back to life — to create a space where people could experience history in a real and personal way.

From the start, I didn’t imagine Padure as just a hotel. I saw it as a place where guests could step into the past — cook with recipes from 19th-century manor cookbooks, enjoy dinners inspired by historical menus, and feel the atmosphere of a different time.

The manor would become more than a business — a gourmet retreat, a cultural destination, and a year-round space for people to connect with heritage.

Turning that vision into reality wasn’t easy. Restoring cultural heritage in Latvia often comes with limited support. I received small grants from the state and local government, which helped me start, but it was far from enough. To fully restore Padure Manor and reach our goal, we needed €1.5 to €2 million.

Learning from Europe: A New Model

I’ve always believed that if a solution works somewhere else, it might work here too — with the right adjustments.

I’ve spent years involved in the European heritage community, including leading the Latvian Castles and Manors Association. I’ve met people, gathered ideas, and learned from successful cases in other countries.

One day, I came across a French company called Dartagnans. They help restore historic buildings through crowdfunding. Thousands of people bought shares in castles, supported restoration, and became part of the project’s future.

That approach made perfect sense to me.

Why couldn’t we try this in Latvia? Why couldn’t people be co-owners of cultural heritage — not just visitors or donors, but actual participants?

That’s how Padure Manor became the first cultural heritage site in Latvia to launch a public share offering.

I partnered with CrowdedHero, a Latvian equity crowdfunding platform, and together we created a joint-stock company: AS Padures Muiža.

Now, anyone can buy shares and become a part of the manor’s future — not just symbolically, but legally and practically.

More Than Funding — Building a Community

What happened next surprised me. People didn’t just invest money. They showed up with real interest, support, and a wish to be part of the journey.

We call our shareholders “līdzmuižnieki”, which in Latvian means “co-manor lords.” It’s a community — and one that keeps growing.

We organize meet-ups, clean-up events, and meals together. People share ideas, offer help, and connect with each other. This isn’t just my project anymore — it belongs to all of us.

For me, it’s important to meet every single investor in person. We talk, exchange ideas, and build something together. The human connection is just as valuable as the restoration work itself.

Padure Manor Today

While the full opening — including the gourmet restaurant and expanded guesthouse — is planned for 2027, Padure Manor is already active today.

Here’s what we currently offer:

• Guided tours in several languages
• A boutique guesthouse with 5 rooms and 32 beds
• Culinary workshops for groups (by request)
• Rental spaces for weddings, private events, or corporate gatherings

In 2023, Padure was even used as a filming location for a Latvian TV series. We’ve hosted celebrations, concerts, exhibitions, and retreats.

We’ve been featured in the Financial Times, included in a major German tourism guide, and we’re now part of a growing European “Manor Route” — connecting cultural heritage sites across the continent.

This is more than just a renovation. It’s a new way to think about ownership, culture, and community. It’s a chance for people to take part in something meaningful — and to help history live again.