In 1963, the dilapidation of the castle, advanced by many years of disregard, has reached a final stage. The reconstruction seemed impossible, and so the building was authorised for demolition, in order to win place for family estates.
Portrait 1963 In January the same year, Arch. Martha Bolldorf-Reitstätter visited Kobersdorf. Having engaged with the rebuilding of divers architectural monuments in her career – for example the Belvedere in Vienna – she was in search of a castle, which she could rebuild as a lifework for herself.
LoggiaAlthough she already considered another castles, the choice fell on Kobersdorf, mainly because the time was short until the demolition.
The first renovating works were started immediately. An exact plan was drawn, most of the domes had to been secured – some domes and ceiling already collapsed.
Tiler on a tower In summer, the most important work was started: The complete Roof had to be demounted and reconstructed. But this act also was a big benefit, as by dint of the old engravings by Greischer of 1660 the original form of the roof could be reconstructed. Alltogehter, the amount of the surface of the roof was about 6.000 sqm – a whole train with 12 (!) waggons filled with tiles was ordered.
Hall (upper floor)But during this action, the renovation suffered a big setback: The dome of the Knight´s Hall, one of the biggest halls in the castle, collapsed. About 40 years should pass, ere he could be reopened in 2001, a short time before the death of Martha Bolldorf-Reitstätter. With this ceremonial act, her lifework was accomplished.
Second GateNevertheless, the renovation work continues to exist and also will in the next generations. This applies most notably for the rooms aside the big representation halls, which were finalised in the early `70 and demandes now a new renovation.
Our endeavour is to continue the lifework of our Mother and Grandmother, which could never prospered so far without the help of countless hands.
Sincere thanks are given to them all!