The construction of the neogothic castle by the family Budberg started in 1856 and finished in 1860. The family ruled Gārsene since 1583. The architect of the castle is unknown, but legend has it that the castle is a copy of a villa in the family’s native Germany. The central building – the two storied part of the castle – was finished first. Additions to the building were completed in 1885. The expansion of the castle was ordered by the freshly married couple baron Leonard and his wife Constance Gertrude Worth, who considered the castle too small to their taste. From 1940 until 2015 the local primary school of Gārsene was housed in the castle.

A historic tile-stove made from white glazed tiles with Delft-blue drawings is the only original 19th century monument left in the building. The stove is decorated with tiles made in the Netherlands, each of them uniquely decorated with typical Dutch views – windmills, seasides and other Dutch elements. In 2016 the stove was restored by two senior specialists – Jana Lībiete and Ina Tiltiņa, the project was funded by the State Culture Capital Foundation.

A tourism information center is located in the castle where you can find more information about the castle, Gārsene and more. You are invited to visit the castle individually, in groups or in a guided tour. The castle can also be rented to host your event. During the summer, the castle’s veranda is used as exhibition space. The upper floors host hostel-type rooms where you can be our guest for an overnight stay. Following the stories, exactly during the darkest hour of the night you can feel the presence of the Blue Lady – the ghost of the castle.