Picture this. You stand before the Gamanderhof a stately building steeped in history. This isn’t just a house. It’s a testament to Liechtenstein’s past.
The Gamanderhof in Schaan a former manorial farm stands proudly. Built between 1720 and 1722 it’s a significant landmark. Its construction was part of Prince Liechtenstein’s ambitious reforms. Following the purchase of the County of Vaduz in 1712. The prince aimed to boost agricultural output. Specifically livestock farming. The Gamanderhof was intended to increase princely revenues. This was in the newly formed Principality of Liechtenstein in 1719.
Despite its size the Gamanderhof proved unprofitable. It was too big for its purpose. The farm was leased out from 1734 for 200-250 Gulden annually. High maintenance costs further hampered its success. In 1780 it was sold to the municipality of Schaan for 15 000 Gulden. By 1787 at the latest it passed into private hands.
The Gamanderhof saw many owners over the following centuries. It finally came under the ownership of the von Halem family in 1943. They decided to sell in 1997. The Historical Society for the Principality of Liechtenstein stepped in. The society purchased the Gamanderhof in 2001. Since 2006 the building has served as the society’s headquarters.
Originally the Gamanderhof consisted of a spacious dwelling and a combined stable and barn. These buildings enclosed a courtyard. The original stucco work on the dwelling is remarkable. It featured white square patterns in sgraffito technique. This was a typical Renaissance decoration. A 1721 plan by Lindau surveyor Johann Jacob Heber shows the layout. The dimensions were 20.8 by 51.8 meters.
The Gamanderhof we see today differs somewhat from Heber’s drawing. The western half of the stable barn was demolished around 1890. A garden house was built there. The eastern section got a new roof its ridge rotated 90 degrees. A steeper roof in 1910 and a northeastern extension in 1919 gave the stable barn its current appearance.
The dwelling initially designed for two families underwent renovations in 1943. It retained the original structure. Modern amenities like a kitchen bathrooms and toilets were added. Parts of the surrounding wall were reduced in height. The eastern part however remains a retaining wall with a fountain.
So here you are standing before the Gamanderhof. A building that mirrors Liechtenstein’s history. From princely ambitions to private ownership. It now serves as a vibrant hub for preserving Liechtenstein’s cultural heritage. A testament to perseverance and a remarkable story for you to carry with you.