The New Hunting Lodge in Hummelshain, Thuringia, a historic cultural monument, now faces an uncertain future as it heads to a forced auction. Despite years of efforts to find a solution to preserve the castle, including support from a dedicated association, financial woes have culminated in the impending sale of the property. The fate of this significant piece of history hangs in the balance.
The saga of Hummelshain Castle began in 1998, when AlphaSat GmbH, under the management of Dr. Lutz Rothe, purchased the property from the Thüringer Landesentwicklungsgesellschaft (LEG) for 1 million Deutsche Marks. At the time, the acquisition was seen as a promising move. Rothe, an engineer specializing in radio technology, envisioned transforming the castle into a modern conference center for his company. However, the ambitious plans quickly unraveled. AlphaSat GmbH faced insolvency, leaving behind debts in the millions. The dream of a revitalized castle slipped away as financial difficulties mounted, and the company was unable to fulfill its grand vision for the property.
As the company’s fortunes declined, so did the condition of the castle. Dr. Rothe continued to live alone in a few rooms of the once-magnificent building, offering guided tours to visitors on weekends. Despite the legal challenges he faced, including criminal proceedings for delaying insolvency, Rothe maintained an optimistic front, sharing the history of Hummelshain Castle with those who visited. However, behind the scenes, the castle’s future grew increasingly uncertain. In an attempt to shield the property from creditors, it was quietly sold to a Swiss company, further complicating the situation.
It was only thanks to the tireless efforts of the Förderverein Schloss Hummelshain, a support association led by Rainer Hohberg, that any progress was made. The association engaged in a dialogue with the owner and, with the backing of the Free State of Thuringia, managed to carry out the first securing work on the castle. Yet, despite their efforts, a long-term solution for the preservation of the castle remained elusive.
The estimated market value of the castle stands at €700,000, but the investment needed to fully restore the property is far greater. Experts estimate that well over €10 million would be required to bring Hummelshain Castle back to its former glory. The forced auction, scheduled for 5 November 2020, has raised concerns among preservationists and local residents alike. Real estate auctions of this nature have, in the past, attracted speculators and extremist groups with questionable intentions. One notorious example occurred in 2016, when the forced auction of a manor in Kohren-Sahlis, Saxony, led to a scandal after the highest bidder made disturbing comments about its future use.
The potential for history to repeat itself at Hummelshain Castle has cast a shadow over the upcoming auction. The association and the local community are hoping for a capable and responsible investor who will recognize the historical and cultural significance of the castle and work towards its preservation. The fear of the castle falling into the wrong hands once again is palpable, and the stakes are high as the auction date approaches.
Hummelshain Castle, with its rich history and architectural beauty, is more than just a building—it is a symbol of the region’s heritage. The outcome of this forced sale will determine whether this important monument will be preserved for future generations or lost to neglect or misuse. As the clock ticks down to the auction, all eyes are on Hummelshain, hoping for a positive outcome that will secure the castle’s future and honor its storied past.
