The charming guesthouse, which was born in 1898 as Willa Erica, entered adulthood as FWP Kryniczanka, and then the world forgot about her. Sometimes a more history-sensitive tourist stopped on Słoneczna Street, wondering what was under the layer of gumoleum and ugly oil paint. When we saw the abandoned building for the first time, our imagination told us what a beautiful place it could become. In 2005, we started extracting our Lavender from FWP Kryniczanka. We discovered wooden ceilings, openwork stairs peeked out from under the ugly plywood, marveling that someone thought of hiding them. We regained it and for several years we ran an intimate, cozy guesthouse for holidaymakers who used to pass by it.
In 2022, there was another twist. We decided to renovate and change the concept to boutique apartments. Our daughter, who was a little girl in 2005, now, as a fully grown architect, has become the author of the new Lavender interiors. We have created 11 cozy apartments - each with a kitchenette and a bathroom. With comfortable beds, soft bedding, sofas that are pleasant to sit on, kitchens filled with beautiful porcelain tableware. The oak floor creaks a bit in places, but this is a 125-year-old house. We invite you to the quiet Słoneczna street in Kudowa-Zdrój. To a green garden and a revitalized old villa. We believe that, like us, you will fall in love with this place.
In Lawenda there are 11 apartments (2-4 people), a total of 31 beds. Here's what you need to know before booking:
- Lavender underwent a general renovation in 2022, so all the equipment and appliances are fresh and the interiors are refined.
- Each apartment has a kitchenette and a bathroom (or two) with a shower (there is a hair dryer in the bathrooms). Some apartments have one bedroom, others two. You can read more about individual apartments in "See all apartments" - above.
- Some apartments have their own balcony.
- No two apartments are the same, although the style of their arrangement is consistent (bright colors of the walls, natural materials, soft fabrics). Wooden furniture and an oak floor add coziness to the interiors, and the hotel beds ensure blissful sleep.
- We do not have a reception, all check-in is done remotely (arrival from 16:00), and you have 24/7 access to the building.
- Lavender has a large garden available to all guests. It is secluded, has sun loungers, garden furniture and swings.
- The villa is located on a fairly narrow but long plot, between Kombatantow and Słoneczna Streets. We have a quiet neighborhood of other old villas, the Jagusia Children's Holiday Home and the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Elizabeth.
Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchenette, where you can prepare your own meals.
Before we talk about the Stołowe Mountains National Park, which is 350 meters away, let's start with our own backyard. In our large garden there are several magnificent, very old trees. The most valuable is the pine inhabited by the black squirrel and a pair of kestrels. Surrounded by rhododendrons, lilies and hydrangeas, you will be able to relax in a sun lounger, drink coffee at tables or read a book on a swing-bench.
Stołowe Mountains National Park is one of the most interesting places in Poland. Let's add to this Szczeliniec, where even the flat-minded start to love the mountains, skiing in Zieleniec, where there is always snow in winter, and a lot of hiking and biking trails, and the mere thought of boredom will start to feel pleasant. The most famous local attractions, such as the beautiful Zdrojowy Park, the Skull Chapel, the Museum of Folk Culture, will certainly be easy to find. We want to share with you the attractions of the region that we have discovered over the years and have become our favourites:
– Rafting along the Bardo Gorge
The trip leads from the Młynówka station to the marina in Bardo. We cover a 15-kilometer route along a rather calm and wide Nysa.
– Paper making workshops
The over 400-year-old paper mill in Duszniki is a magical place. When our children were younger, we took part in local workshops several times. Adults have as much fun as children.
– On a sledge to Czarna Hora
In the 19th century, on the Czech side of Černá Hora, a 3 km long toboggan run was created. Equipment is rented on site.
– Peat bog near Zieleniec
The peat bog near Zieleniec is a frequent destination of our trips. The walk sometimes requires good acrobatics, because part of the route leads on wooden - not always complete - footbridges. There are a lot of places where you have to jump, squeeze and overcome obstacles. There's always a lot of laughter and wet shoes.
– A real safari
On the Czech side, just like in Africa, be sure to go on a safari. At the ZOO in Dvůr Králové, 40 minutes from Lavender, you can experience a truly exotic adventure. The largest herd of antelopes in Europe is said to live here.
– Mummies of Broumov
There is also something for adventure seekers and crypt history seekers. Head to the monastery in Broumov. The local library with a gallery running around the entire interior makes an extraordinary impression. The monastery stores unusual items, including The Satanic Bible and a copy of the Turin Shroud.
– From Zieleniec to Masarykova Chata
We recommend you to take a lovely walk from Zieleniec to Masarykova Chata. The path starts above the eastern parking lot and leads up. After some time, the forest changes, turns into a grove. During the snowy winter, huge white caps hang on the trees. We always play the game of throwing them at whoever follows us. And when you climb up, stop by the Cottage for something hot. The route to Masarykova Chata is also an ideal place for cross-country skiers.
– Swimming pool in Wojciech Lądek Zdrój
You will probably rub your eyes in surprise that such a place is in Poland. A swimming pool like an ancient bathhouse, and all this in the Wojciech sanatorium in Lądek-Zdrój. The marble basin is filled with hot water from the spring. The bath lasts only 30 minutes, but is soothing and perfect for relaxation. Be sure to book your visit, because the pool is small, the maximum number of people is 11. We recommend booking the last visit of the day, the evenings are beautiful here. Caps are needed. After bathing, do not rinse your body - it is healing water.
And after the swimming pool, be sure to go to the Albrechts Halle cafe for delicious Sperlschnite.
What’s there for children?
Of course, we invite you with children, but we do not have additional attractions for them except board games. However, in the area, regardless of the season, there is a lot of activity to try out.