Karczemka came into our hands together with Marian. Marian is in his teens and the previous owner didn't want to stress him out with the move. He decided that it would be better for Marian. Once in a while she sends him a carton of cans, and we still can't guarantee that Marian won't come and nuzzle you when you're enjoying zander in white wine or snake cream in our restaurant. And the cuisine we have here is not only delicious, but also picturesque, no less than the landscape along the Elbląg Canal. We would like to exhibit the landscapes painted on plates by our chef in a museum.
“What can a 'city' lady find among forests and lakes, in such a wilderness?” In 1889, Matylda, whose correspondence was in our collection, asked her friend Klara in a letter. We answer the doubts of the modern Matylda: a city lady, tired of working at a desk, bored with everyday life, a connoisseur of meticulously carried out renovations, hungry for a bit of luxury, will find a lot for herself here. From the lush garden he will look at Lake Piniewo and plan trips along the trail of arcaded houses in nearby Żuławy. In a sudden need for exercise, he can sit in a kayak and move up the canal or get on a bike and go for a trip along it. We will rent her both a bike and a kayak. After returning, if you are tired, we will invite you to the sauna, for a massage, or to the hot tub. And if the lady has her chosen one with her, so much the better. We are a perfect choice for romantic weekends and even Marian will not disturb you in your ecstasy among the nature of Karczemka.
PS The owners of the farm are 6 friendly pairs of veterinarians. There were times when we hosted a cow here. Do we need to mention that all Matildas come to us with their pets?
“Clara! How beautiful is Karczemka! Try to imagine a narrow headland surrounded by water, with an old mill and a park on it. (...) A park with ubiquitous oaks and lime trees (...) How far away the city and its amusements seem to me," wrote Matylda.
On the farm, picturesquely situated on Lake Piniewo, there are several historic buildings.
Life takes place mainly in Młyn - it's the one with the mint veranda. This is where our restaurant "Szara Reneta", the conservatory and the fireplace room are located. There are also 3 apartments for rent here.
Other apartments and rooms are located in Willa or Rybaczówka. For now, not all of them can be booked on Slowhop, but we will gradually expand their selection. The rooms differ in size, each is also decorated slightly differently, but in a similar style. Each has a private bathroom. Each has a TV. Only the apartment in Rybaczówka has a private kitchen, all others - only tea and coffee making facilities.
The farm buildings start about 300 m from the S7 expressway, but the complex is large and surrounded by nature. We guarantee that you will breathe a deep breath here and experience peace.
“Well, imagine [My Dear], most of the dishes here are prepared from the gifts of waters and forests. (...) Now I understand what extraordinary thing the emperor discovered in this corner of the world. Until now, I had only read about such plates, borschts and broths in books (...)" - it was written in Matylda's letter from 1898. I wonder what she would write today if she saw the dishes served in the "Szara Reneta" restaurant by our chef, Tomasz Bonisławski (just look at his Instagram!).
The menu is short and the dishes are seasonal and made from the freshest ingredients. You will eat here, among others: wild boar in red wine and dried mushrooms, fried zander or dumplings with deer. For vegetarians, we can offer tagiatalle with bolete and truffle and baked cauliflower. You will also have the opportunity to taste snake soup or Masurian fish and crayfish soup.
Prices are approximately PLN 60 for a main course, approximately PLN 25 for a soup and approximately PLN 36-38 for pasta/dumplings.
Breakfast is served as a buffet from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. If you leave for a trip early in the morning, it's not a problem. We will prepare lunchboxes for you on the way (even 4:00 in the morning will not be too early for us).
At 5 p.m., like the Queen of England, we serve "Tea at Five" on the tea terrace overlooking the waters of the canal. Room service operates from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
We would also like to point out that the "Szara Reneta" restaurant is located in Młyn. If you sleep in a different building, remember that you will have a short walk to breakfast or dinner.
If you are asking how to organize your time here, we would recommend you to take advantage of the benefits of a beautifully situated farm alternately with getting to know the vicinity of the Elbląg Canal, further regions of Warmia and Żuławy Wiślane.
We are located on Lake Piniewo, lying on the route of the canal. On site we have for you:
– kayaks (PLN 30/h),
– rowing boats (PLN 30/h),
– motorboat (PLN 200/h),
which you can swim on the lake or go further down the canal.
Unfortunately, you will not be able to swim in the lake where we are located.
There are also bicycles (PLN 30/h), and if you are wondering where to go with them, we will be happy to suggest a route for a trip.
As for hedonistic pleasures, we will offer you a sauna (PLN 80/h), a tub surrounded by greenery (PLN 200/h), and a massage on request (PLN 150/h).
Feel free to use the areas around and the common parts of the farm. On colder days, we suggest sitting on comfortable armchairs and sofas, hiding in the conservatory and reading books, talking or imagining how life used to be here. In the warm months, the action takes place in the lush garden - on deckchairs, hammocks, by the water. We have fishing rods, badminton rackets, blankets for you to spread out in the grass. There is also a mini gym outside.
We recommend daily walks in the area, along the canal. You can also cover the same route by bike.
It is worth going on a kayaking trip along the Elbląg Canal, starting not far from here, in Buczyniec. You can leave your car there and sail, and the organizers of the trip will pick you up from any place you can reach.
Of course, cruises on the Elbląg Canal are a great attraction. No wonder, where else in Poland can you sail on the grass? Cruises take place on different sections. There are routes for 2 or 4.5 hours. An example route is from the nearby Buczyniec to Elbląg, or you can take a shorter route to Jelenia. The carrier provides a bus return to the starting point of the route. Cruises run from the beginning of May to the end of September.
Nearby cities:
– Elbląg – its attraction is the characteristic old/new town. It is one of the oldest cities in Poland and also the lowest situated. During WWII was completely destroyed. The "old town" of Elbląg was rebuilt in a style called retroversion - in accordance with the old urban layout, but in a very free way referring to the historical style and ornamentation,
– Morąg – belongs to the cittàslow network, i.e. “slow cities” with a friendly urban infrastructure with places of rest and recreation, where it is good to live – you can visit a fascinating Teutonic castle here, which from the outside seems to be a ruin, but inside hides, apart from valuable renaissance polychromes… quite controversial decor, full of knick-knacks,
– Ostróda – you can start a cruise on the Elbląg Canal here, because the canal starts in the picturesquely located (on 5 lakes) Ostróda (the best beach is said to be on Lake Sajmino); it is worth visiting ul. Sienkiewicza, with beautiful historic villas and tenement houses,
– Lidzbark Warmiński – it houses the Warmian Bishops' Castle, which is said to be the most valuable Gothic monument in Poland, there is also a charming Krasicki Orangery.
Żuławy Wiślane begins not far north of Karczemka. This land, flat to the horizon, located at the lowest point in Poland, was once inhabited by settlers from the Netherlands, i.e. Mennonites. That is why today you can see real gems of their wooden architecture here. We recommend taking a trip along the trail of arcaded houses (visit Stablewo, Orłowo, Żuławki and Gypsy - here in the restaurant at the Mały Holender house you will eat meatball soup and taste Żuławy Werderkäse cheese).
What’s there for children?
We are open to visits with children, but we must warn you loyally that we have not adapted the farm especially for them. We have books, board games and a vast green space around, but in vain to look for, for example, a playground. Also, please take into account that we are right on the water and it's nice to fish together in the canal, but you also have to keep an eye on the kids. If you decide that this form of rest with your family suits you, we cordially invite you.
What’s there for employees?
Our internet allows you to work only to a not very advanced degree, because it is not the fastest in the world. We are still waiting for the optical fiber, which will be available in a few months. You can always rely on the Internet from a hot spot, it does not disappoint.
On the farm there will be several places where you can sit down with your laptop - on sofas and armchairs. Most rooms have desks or dressing tables. If you want a room with a desk, let us know.
We also have a conference room overlooking the lake, where you can work in a group, and even a projector.
