Few places embody such a rich history, elegance, and mystique as Villa Tadeusz in Lanckorona. Originally built as a forest ranger's lodge by Tadeusz Lorenz, son of Józef, the Lorenz family obtained their first license to operate a guesthouse in 1924. By doing so, they began a new, fascinating chapter in the history of the property. This is likely the longest-operated guesthouse by a single family in Poland. Surrounded by lush forest and hidden on a mountainside, the villa serves as an ideal escape from urban chaos and daily routine. A drone's-eye view of this intimate facility reveals the harmony of its architecture with the surrounding nature—a walled swimming pool, a beautiful garden, and many grand trees and shrubs, all planted many years ago by its founder.

Villa Tadeusz is not just a charming tourist spot; it's also a witness to numerous pivotal moments in Polish history. Tadeusz Lorenz, during his service in the legions, was temporarily assigned as an officer for special assignments to Commander Piłsudski. During Marshal Piłsudski's regime, frequent guests at Villa Tadeusz included Minister Józef Beck, General Haller, and Ludmiła Modzelewska, a friend and confidante of Józef Piłsudski. Memorabilia from that period are still stored in the house. During the Nazi occupation of Poland, although the rooms were officially reserved for Germans only (Nur für Deutsche), the villa courageously and secretly provided shelter to Warsaw Uprising refugees in its attic. The building also survived the Russian occupation, numerous searches by various agencies, including the Gestapo, GRU, and UB. After the war, despite attempts to nationalize it, the villa remained in the family's hands thanks to the determination of young Tadeusz Lorenz. Continuing to operate as a guesthouse, it has hosted famous figures from various fields of life—from culture and art to politics. This extraordinary ability to survive has its roots in the difficult days of German and Russian occupation. The villa also weathered the dark years of the Polish People's Republic and the activities of the Security Service. Hence, Villa Tadeusz remains a symbol of Polish resilience and perseverance.

Villa Tadeusz is not just a guesthouse—it's a nearly 100-year-old wooden oasis where history intertwines with the present, and hospitality and a unique atmosphere live in perfect symbiosis. Mrs. Kasia and her mother, the current managers, nurture family traditions, serving exceptionally tasty homemade dishes prepared from local products and freshly picked mushrooms. In this charming place, full of the aroma of wood and creaking floors, everyone will find their space—whether it's a moment of respite surrounded by nature or an opportunity to deepen one's knowledge of Polish history.

I strongly recommend visiting this extraordinary enclave, tucked away in the forest wilderness, yourself. It's a place where hospitality and exquisite dishes are the order of the day, and it's well worth seeing with your own eyes and experiencing the atmosphere of this place.