Seit Jahren werden 1945-1949 staatlich enteignete Liegenschaften auf dem Weltmarkt zum Kauf angepriesen. Dabei bedient man sich derber Lügen, um mögliche Investoren glauben zu machen, diese Besitze seien frei von Rückgabeansprüchen und verlassen von den eigentlichen Eigentümer.
Hier ein Beispiel, das kein Einzelfall ist.

CASTLES AS AN INVESTMENT
Have you ever
dreamt of owning
a castle?
It is easier than
you think to make
that dream come true!
There are many castles and manor houses for sale in what used to be East Germany. You can purchase them in most cases for the cost of the property value, the castle or manor house itself may be as little as 1 Euro. Sounds to good to be true? Well, of course, it is. During the communist era those properties have been neglected, and when Germany reunited many owners did not opt to take their properties back because of the cost of restoration. They then became the property of the state or the town, or city where they were located. These states and towns and cities are now eager to restore these properties to their original historic form, and have put many a castle or manor house on the market for a bargain basement price if the purchaser is willing to restore them. However, some of the costs of restoration are reimbursed up to 30% to 50%, depending on the historical value of the property and your intended later use. Therefore they often become a very nice investment, but are by no means "get rich quick" projects. A castle or manor house could perhaps be made into condominiums, apartments, a bed and breakfast hotel, a restaurant or a convention and meeting facility, computer facility or the like. The only stipulation when receiving subsidies toward renovation is, that you must keep the property for ten years before you sell it. If you sell it before this time you may have to pay back the subsidies, or subsidies plus any profits you may make. This is to keep ruthless developers from buying these properties then capitalizing on them. In certain cases exception may be allowed.
Freie Übersetzung:
Im ehemaligen Ostdeutschland gibt es viele Schlösser und Herrenhäuser zu verkaufen. In den meisten Fällen kann man diese für den reinen Bodenwert kaufen, das Schloss oder Herrenhaus kann nur einen Euro kosten.
Klingt zu schön, um wahr zu sein? So ist es auch.
Während der kommunistischen Zeit wurde diesen Besitzungen meist keine Beachtung geschenkt und als Deutschland wiedervereinigt wurde entschieden sich viele Besitzer wegen der hohen Sanierungskosten gegen eine Rücknahme.
Daraufhin ging der Besitz in die Hand der Bundesländer, Städte und Gemeinden übe, in deren Umfeld sie sich befanden.
Diese Bundesländer, Städte und Gemeinden sind nun sehr daran interessiert diese Besitze in ihrer historischen Form zu restaurieren und bieten diese Schlösser und Häuser für sehr Schnäppchenpreise dem an, der sie restaurieren will.
Dabei werden je nach historischem Wert der Häuser und ihrer vorgesehenen Nutzung zwischen 30 und 50% der Restaurierungskosten von der öffentlichen Hand gefördert.
Entsprechend können sie sich als sehr gute Investitionen erweisen, sind aber sicherlich keine Projekte, um schnell reich zu werden. ...
Die einzige Bedingung dabei ist, dass das Objekt für 10 Jahre nicht verkauft werden kann. Im Falle eines früheren Verkaufs müssen alle Fördermittel und etwaige Gewinne zurückbezahlt werden. Dabei können in Einzelfällen Ausnahmen gemacht werden.
-Gehen Sie auf die Internetseite www.poshjourneys.com
dort können Sie sich über die einzelnen Objekte im Angebot informieren!

We can offer a complete pack for interested investors from a first castle inspection trip, assistance with evaluation of use, evaluation of restoration costs, assistance with all paper work, acquisition assistance, application for restoration subsidies, restoration work and, if desired, later management. The opportunities are many and to acquire such a property is not difficult if it is done in the right way. An other possibility to own part of a castle is "upscale fractional ownership" in the Castle Lauterbach project, and two other projects we are presently offering. If it is of interest please e-mail us at contact@poshjourneys.com and we can give you further information on any particular property. The information below will give you an idea of costs involved.
Jack and Helga van Horn
Posh Journeys

PROPERTIES FOR SALE
Immobilien zum Verkauf

Upscale fractional ownership
Castle Lauterbach
Click here for information
"Schloss Lauterbach"
Klicken Sie hier für weitere Informationen
CASTLE DESCRIPTIONS AND PURCHASE INFORMATION
Below you are description of each castle, size and their location, as well as the condition they are in. Rough cost estimates for renovation, not including the purchase of the property, are between Euro 70.00 and Euro 100.00 per square foot. Government grants are available for most if they are used in part in a commercial way (condos, apartments, B&B's, computer related businesses etc.). These grants are not loans, but funds awarded toward restoration which do not have to be repaid, they run on the average between 30% to 50% of the cost of restoration. They are paid after the property has been renovated.
Since most of these properties are owned by the state or by a town government, a purchase offer has to be made and approved. Making a purchase offer generally takes place by discussions between the buyer and seller. Our associate in Germany can handle all details from the purchase offer to the application for grants, to the architectural plans necessary for renovation, and the handling the renovation of the property. Fees for handling everything from the purchase offer to the start of renovation, run between $8,500 and $14,000. This is money well spend since you
will end up with the lowest possible purchase price and the highest grants. Doing all this on your own would be far more expensive. Renovation work will be on a cost plus basis. A property search in which you are presented with 10 to 20 properties that fit your specific interests, including pictures, descriptions, condition etc. costs Euro3,000. You may also elect to contact us at contact@poshjourneys.com to join one of our castle inspections tours, or set up a private tour.

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UEBIGAU - This historic castle fronts the Elbe river and is located a short distance from no downtown Dresden in Saxony. It has been sold and is presently privately owned, but owner may be interested in selling. Grounds and castle need extensive renovation. Floor space is about 9,000 square feet.
GROEDITZ - The castle is set on the top of a hill above a the small village of Graditz near the town of Bautzen. The castle is presently used as a boarding school for
autistic children, but will be vacated in the near future. The castle dates in its core
to the late 1600's. It's condition is good, but overall renovation is needed. Floor
space is about 10,000 square feet.
ZSCHORNA - This small castle of about 6000 square feet is located about 45 minutes from Leipzig in Saxony, in the small village of Zschorna. It is presently used as a school for autistic children, but will be available about August 2004. Negotiations for it are possible at this time. If this property interests you get in touch with us and we will give you further details.
HUNTING LODGE - The former Hunting Lodge Cunnersdorf is located in a scenic
area of wooded mountain in the southern region of Saxony, known as the Saxon Switzerland. The property consists of the hunting lodge with a floor space of about 6000 square feet, and the Torhaus (gate house) with about 2000 square feet which dates from the early 17th century. Two apartments are presently rented in the Torhaus. The property consists of 32 wooded acres.
CASTLE LAUTERBACH - The castle dates to the late 17th century and is a fine example of Baroque architecture. It is located in the small town of Lauterbach in Saxony, a short distance from Dresden. The castle is set in a park with old trees and
is fronted by a lake . It has about 9,000 square feet of floor space. Extensive renovation is needed.
VILLA WENDENHOF - This country manor is located just outside Schwerin in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The charming manor dating to the late 19th century is in relative good condition, but renovation is needed. It's grounds are wooded and include lake frontage.
CASTLE STUELPE - This large Baroque castle (about 10,000 square feet floor space)
is located in a rural area in the state of Brandenburg about 30 miles south of Berlin. The castle has been extensively renovated inside and out. It has 13 acres of wooded grounds and several estate buildings which are part of the property.
VILLA GUSTAVA - This turn of the century villa is located in large wooded park in
the historic town of Ludwigslust, in the state of Mecklenburg Vorpommern, 45 minutes south of Schwerin. A charming gatehouse is part of the property. Total floor space is about 3,500 square feet. The villa is in extremely poor condition and needs extensive renovation inside and outside.
CASTLE BARUTH - This Neo Gothic castle dates to about 1850. It was once connected to a much older castle by a covered and elevated wooden walkway of which a section still exists (seen in right hand picture). The castle is in good structural condition, but needs extensive renovation. Floor space is about 7000 square feet. The old castle which is in poor condition and a large park are part of the property. The park must remain accessible to the public.
CASTLE SCHIERNITZ - The castle dating to the early 17th century is located near the historic town of Meissen in Saxony. It is set on the top of a hill adjacent to the ruins
of a much older castle. The side wing which is attached to the castle was once the servant quarters and can also be purchased. A circular stairway goes to the top of
the tall tower. The building is in good structural condition, but needs renovation. The floor space is about 33,000 square feet.
HUNTING LODGE FRIEDRICHSTHAL - Located near the town of Schwerin in a popular holiday area in the state of Mecklenburg- Vorpommern dates to the early
19th century. It is built in the typical Prussian style of a tall middle building and two curved side wings. The lodge has about 8500 square feet. Extensive renovation
inside and out is needed. A large densely wooded area in back of the lodge is part of
the property. The front faces the road connecting Schwerin and Luebeck.
CASTLE HAINEWALDE - This historic castle is located in a scenic area in south-eastern Saxony near the Czech border. The castle dates to the 14th century.
It is set in a large park of old trees on a slight incline above the town of Hainewalde. The total floor space is about 35,000 square feet. The castle needs extensive renovation inside and out.
CASTLE OELSCHAU - The castle dates in its core to 1400. It has three identical floors with a total floor space of about 11,000 square feet. A large wooded park with old
trees and a lake is part of the property. It is located in the state of Saxony, approximately 45 minutes from Dresden. Extensive renovation is needed inside
and out.
WEISSIG - The castle Weissig is a former hunting lodge set in a particular lovely region of forest and meadow land. The castle has been beautifully renovated a few years ago, and is presently a hotel and restaurant. The castle dates to the 18th century, to about the mid 1700's. The castle is for sale, if it is of interest contact us for a price quote.
CASTLE RUHETHAL - This massive old castle dates to the 11th century. It is located about an hour from Dresden in the state of Saxony. Floor space is about 17,000
square feet, the property with several estate buildings consists of about 100 acres.
The castle needs extensive renovation inside and out.
CASTLE BOERLN - This Baroque castle is located in the small village of Boerln in Saxony, about 45 minutes drive from Dresden. It is in good structural shape, but needs renovation inside and out. A large wooded park is part of the property. The total floor space is about 10,000 square feet.
Castle Zinna - Facing a main road this neo Baroque castle dates to the middle of the 19th century. It is located in the state of Brandenburg in the town of Zinna which is famous for its medieval monastery. Driving time to Berlin is about one hour. The castle is in good structural condition, but needs renovation inside and out. A large park with old trees borders the back side of the castle. Floor space is about 7,000 square feet.
RUMMELSBURG - The Rummelsburg is a fortress-like castle with turrets and
towers (the pictures were taken on a very foggy day, more detailed pictures are available to interested parties). The castle is located in the state of Saxon-Anhalt in
a scenic region of wooded hills, about an hour from the city of Leipzig in Saxony,
and about 45 minutes from the Leipzig International Airport. The Rummelsburg dates to the 14th century, but has been rebuilt in the early 19th century. The castle
is large with a floor space of about 33,000 square feet. It is in good structural shape, but needs renovation. It would be an ideal project for luxury condos.
CASTLE GERBSTETT - This neo-Gothic castle is located in the hill-top town of Gerbstett, in a scenic area in the state of Saxon-Anhalt, about an hour's driving time from the Leipzig. The castle is in good condition, but needs renovation to bring it s interior up to date. The total floor space is about 9,000 square feet.
CASTLE GOESCHENDORF - Built in 1910 the castle is located in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in a national biosphere reserve, about 70 km north of Berlin. Total floor space is about 13500 square feet, property size is 10 acres
including lake frontage. It has been a castle hotel in the 80's. The condition is good, but renovation is needed. The castle is either for sale, or it can be acquired under a Erbaurecht, a 99-year lease. Contact us about this option.
CASTLE SEEHEIM - This castle is located in western Germany on Lake Constance,
a short distance from the Swiss border in one of Germany's most prestigious real
estate areas. The castle was built in 1889. It is presently fully leased and is used as a cultural venue. Also on the premises is a upscale lake-side cafe. The castle is luxuriously furnished and does not need renovation. It s privately owned.
DAHLEN - The Baroque Castle Dahlen is among some of the most historic castles in Saxony. Although it burned to the ground in 1973 its original form has not been destroyed. The city of Dahlen has done some renovations such as installed new floors and ceilings in their original form. Part of the castle property is an administrative building which is presently used as apartments. The castle is located in a large city park which could possibly be bought along with the castle, or if it stays property of the city, it will be city maintained. The castle has a floor space of about 1700 square meters or about 18,500 square feet. An ideal use would be as a museum because of its historic importance. The administrative building could conceivably be made into a small hotel.
GROSSBOEHLA - This attractive Baroque castle is set in the small village of Grossboehla. The building is in excellent condition since it is presently used as a kinder garden. The castle dates to the late 1700's and has many of its original features intact. Total floor space is about 6000 square feet. Since the castle is in use at this time, a new building to house the kinder garden would have to be built before a buyer can take possession of the property.
RUHETAL - The Castle Ruhetal is set on the edge of the small medieval town of Muegeln in a scenic area of rolling hills and meadows. The castle dates to the 12th century and has one of the most complete castle estates with barns who still have their original 17th century interior, gate houses and even a former jail. The whole complex consists of about 100 acres of ground. The castle itself has a floor space of about 20,000 square feet, with the rooms in the big tower being the most historic. This complex, being located in an area frequented by tourists, could be successful as a theme park or museum along with a hotel, restaurants etc.
GROSSDEUBEN - This small, but attractive manor house built in 1730 is located in the small town of Grossdeuben outside of Leipzig, Germany's new boom town. It is an ideal investment as a rental property since there is a great demand for upscale rentals that are outside the city. The manor is located inside a city-maintained park and adjacent to a nature preserve and holiday area of several lakes. At the present the property is held by a German businessman on an option, however, he is looking for one or two investors to co-own the property with him. Approximate investment per floor ( about 1900 square feet per floor) is 170,000.00 Euros.
CASTLE INSPECTION TOURS
If you are interested in looking into the possibility of purchasing a castle or manor house, there is no better way than to take a week and look at what's available. We
can send you pictures, floor plans and detailed descriptions, but it isn't the same
than seeing it or yourself. You have to see the location, the surroundings, as well as the building itself to make the best judgment if the castle or manor house of your choice is what you want. Beside, you will get to know our associate Manfred Pawlik who has restored and owns the Castle Triestewitz, and without whom we do not suggest you tackle such a project. His services in such an undertaking will pay for themselves many times over in purchasing a property and restoring it.
You can hire us to take you on a private inspection tour which includes looking at 15 to 25 properties that fit your interests. Please contact us for the cost.
The next scheduled castle inspection tour is from Sept.8 to Sept. 18, 2003, the cost per person, based on 3 to 6 persons traveling together is $3090.00 per person, single or double.
Included are: 6-nights accommodation in jr. suites with breakfast at the Castle Triestewitz, 1-night at the airport hotel in Dresden, airport transfers, all transportation and gas, our services as your interpreter and driver, 5 full days of property inspections, the services of Mr. Pawlik as your expert consultant to line up properties you will inspect, make appointments to see them, and advice you of the condition of a property, the approximate renovation costs, feasibility of the use you have in mind for a property, and to answer any questions you may have.
Airfare, meals and any item of a personal nature is additional.
The private tours can take place at any time of the year. If we ourselves are not available for a tour you want to schedule at a certain time, we will arrange for a driver and interpreter.
For further details contact us at: contact@poshjourneys.com, or call us at 775-852-5105 Mon. to Fri. 9A to 4:30P west coast time.
POSH JOURNEYS
530 E. PATRIOT BLVD. #172
RENO NV. 89511
TEL. / FAX 775-852-5105
E-Mail: contact@poshjourneys.com