Castle of Wartenfels Life in the castle: Hard gardening instead of luxury

Schloss Wartenfels, located high above the village of Lostorf in the canton of Solothurn, has become home to a new pair of caretakers who find themselves more engaged with hard labor than luxury living. Daniela Goll and Christian Hunziker have been working as Schlosswarte, castle caretakers, for over a year, managing the extensive grounds and historic structure of the baroque estate. Due to the cold conditions inside the old castle during winter, they reside in a nearby building known as the Gärtnerhaus, constructed in 1918, which is significantly younger than the main castle itself. The responsibilities of the Schlosswarte extend far beyond simple maintenance. They oversee the operation and upkeep of the entire property, including vineyards, 20 hectares of forest, meadows, several ornamental and vegetable gardens, and the castle itself. Their duties range from cleaning and mowing lawns to restoration work. Hunziker describes their roles as encompassing gardener, gastronomer, cleaner, event manager, bookkeeper, craftsman, and farmer. Goll humorously compares herself to a “weed eater,” emphasizing the sheer volume of work required to maintain such a vast estate. Despite not residing within the castle itself, the Gärtnerhaus provides them with sufficient space. The couple finds comfort in their remote location, noting that the isolation suits their lifestyle. Goll mentions that living in a single-family house in a village can sometimes lead to loneliness, but the position allows them to interact with others in a different manner. The steep road leading up to the castle and the lack of immediate neighbors contribute to this sense of solitude, which they accept as part of their role. Schloss Wartenfels, owned by a foundation representing the canton and two local municipalities, recently underwent renovations. It is available for rental for weddings and other special occasions, though it remains relatively unknown to the general public. On hot days, few visitors make the climb up the hill despite the garden's current splendor. However, the couple insists that the castle still holds its charm and is not yet overwhelmed by crowds. The history of Schloss Wartenfels dates back to the 13th century, beginning with a watchtower used to signal fires. This origin inspired the name “Wart den Fels.” Over time, the structure expanded, incorporating elements from both medieval and baroque periods. Today, parts of the original design remain visible, particularly in the baroque garden, which features symmetrical flower beds, geometrically shaped shrubs, well-maintained grass, and a nearly 300-year-old hornbeam avenue. For Goll, initially adjusting to the meticulously maintained baroque garden was challenging. As a biodynamic farmer, she found the structured environment unfamiliar at first but now appreciates the tranquility it offers. Hunziker, on the other hand, has always had an affinity for geometric designs and enjoys the precision of the garden’s layout. In their first year on the job, Goll and Hunziker faced numerous challenges. They had to learn everything about the property, adapting to each season’s unique demands. Goll recalls having to discover how every aspect of the estate functioned, highlighting the continuous learning process involved in their role. The castle’s recent renovation has brought renewed attention to the site, with its facade and windows restored to their former glory. The restaurant is open only on Sundays, while a self-service bistro operates almost daily. Despite these updates, the couple emphasizes that the true essence of Schloss Wartenfels lies in its historical significance and the meticulous care required to preserve its legacy.