Count Zichy Béla and the Manors of Lengyeltóti

As numerous events in history come to life within the walls of ancient castles and rural mansions, so has the story of Boros Castle and the manors of Lengyeltóti been resurrected, once owned by Count Zichy Béla. Through family unity, we managed to save this special place from the ravages of time and transform it according to the demands of the present day, allowing it to be populated once again with joys and memories.

Born in Pozsony (present-day Bratislava), Count Zichy Béla’s family exchanged estates with the Inkey family in 1860, thus acquiring the Lengyeltóti estate. The Count grew up in this region, and it became the setting for his decades-long passions for horse breeding and hunting. The family not only owned property in this region but also boasted a palace on Museum Street in Pest, standing proudly in the heart of the magnate quarter.

Count Béla did much for the local community and the region’s interest. In the 1890s, a holiday resort was established on his estate, and he embraced the cult of Lake Balaton. He built water pipelines, created promenades, and established forest trails for visitors and local residents. The Bélatelep Sirály Hotel and the Fonyód Roman Catholic parish were established with his contributions and support.

He also contributed significantly, with a sum of 250,000 forints, to the construction of the Kaposvár-Fonyód railway line. This investment significantly promoted the development of the surrounding area and the advancement of the count’s estate interests. In addition to his political activities, he gained fame as a member of the parliament for several terms.

Boros Castle has also witnessed this rich life journey. After purchasing the land, with joint family efforts, we managed to renovate the building to make it once again the venue for events that, while preserving the memory of the past, look towards the future. Whether it’s a romantic wedding, a team-building training, or a pleasant family gathering, life has returned within the walls of the castle.

Count Zichy Béla’s legacy lives on through these walls, and it brings us joy, as a close-knit family, to be part of this wonderful story and to carry forward this tradition.