We think that it is important to present the actual state of the Radák-Pekry castle on the Bonus Pastor’s property in Ozd: the results we have reached up to now and our plans for the future. We would like to do the restoration in small steps (that is why we call it the small castle project!) as far as possible with our financial possibilities and with the work of the volunteer workgroups. First of all we keep in our mind that the historical character of the castle should be preserved and we strive to accomplish long lasting plans. Our short-term goal is to make the castle partially usable to accommodate the volunteer workgroups in more comfortable circumstances and to organize smaller events there.

Developments

2000-2003
Around 2000 the roof of the castle was replaced. Consequently the walls could dry out well in the following years. Architectural plans were made for the whole castle, and then in 2003 there were two kinds of research regarding the walls, as well as digging in the cellar which had been filled up with debris. In the next years however, our attention was diverted mainly to renovate the granary and run the farm. We couldn’t apply for a grant to restore the castle all at once, so there wasn’t much chance we could receive help in that way.

2009
After opening the Therapy Centre (in 2005) and selling the farm (in 2009) the focus of the volunteer workgroups returned to the castle. It was then that the so-called small castle project developed. It was initiated by our volunteer from New Zealand, Brendon Wheeler. Drain gutters and diverters were installed on the roof and walls of the building. Inside most parts of the castle electrical circuits were installed in the plaster. We vacated the castle and stopped using it as a storehouse.

2010
Three ceilings on the ground floor were repaired where there had been structural problems, wooden flooring was laid in two rooms on the first floor and in the right hand hall on the ground floor. That space also received initial plastering on the bare walls. A temporary and removable bathroom is now 75% ready (2 toilets, 2 showers, 2 sinks). We still need to lay tile and install the showers, toilets and sinks. Paving was laid on the outside of the building, in front of the left side large hall which is on the ground floor. The gas pipeline was installed from the main gas source to the place where the kitchen will be located, near the wall of the corner tower. A chimney was cleaned and made functional again. In the cellar a temporary electrical circuit was installed on the plaster.

Plans for 2011-2013

Our main plan is to make the four ground floor rooms usable (one large hall, one kitchen and two bathrooms respectively) and to make bedrooms in the loft.

Furthermore, we would like to solve the structural problems of the walls (fix the stone lintels, cracking, mold), to put windows and floor covering in the entire castle, and change the damaged tiles on the roof.

Sándor Magdó