The castle in Načeradce in the Benešov region was auctioned for 12 million CZK

Benešov - After a series of unsuccessful auctions, the state found a buyer for the castle in Načeradci in the Benešov region. Today's ninth auction was successful. The only participant acquired the castle and other properties for 12 million crowns, said Radek Ležatka, spokesman for the Office for the Representation of the State in Property Matters, to ČTK. He did not disclose who the bidder was, only stating it was an individual. "We believe that the new owner will breathe new life into this cultural monument," the spokesman added.

Initially, the state demanded at least 22 million crowns for the castle. With subsequent attempts to sell, the price was gradually lowered. In the last attempt to sell the monument on September 10, the minimum bid was 13.5 million crowns, but as in the past, no offers were received. The ninth auction took place today in Benešov, with the minimum price reduced to 12 million crowns.

The state took ownership of the castle two years ago from the Sedlec-Prčice children's home as unnecessary property. No state institution showed interest in it, hence it was offered for sale.

The two-story building with a simple facade and the adjacent English park are a cultural monument and are located in the center of the town. The park adjoins a fruit orchard and a former vegetable garden and horticulture area with preserved greenhouses and a staff house, in which some of the interior spaces have been partially reconstructed.

Although it has not been used since 2015, the castle is still reported to be in relatively good condition according to the office. In 1987, craftsmen repaired the roof, interior spaces, engineering network installations, and facade. In 2000, the boiler room, heating, and air conditioning were renovated.

The castle was built in 1734 by František Josef of Starhemberg. Until the end of the 1970s, the complex served as a children's home, after which an intern boarding school was placed here, and later a correctional facility.