The glory of Pädaste Manor. Estonia
There is a thrilling sensation the moment you get into line with the other cars to get to the other side. You go up on deck, and while the wind gives you a new hair style, you are left to enjoy every minute of the anticipation of getting closer to Pädaste .
Pädaste in not for everyone – it is for those, who seek silence, beauty, peace, a spa, and at the end of the day – great food. It could have all the possible benefits, the most expensive SPA treatments, and all the greatest things, but if it didn’t have great food, all would be lost.
Pädaste Manor (in written records dates back to 1566 but actually existed in the 14th c.) has always been the soul of Muhu Island – be it good or not so good. It has been the headquarters for soldiers, a home for the elderly, and even a fish distribution centre. After being abandoned in the 1980s, it rose to its original beauty after 1996, when two great gentlemen decided to renovate it. History books can tell a lot about Pädaste Manor and the people who lived around there, but while bedtime reading is great idea, the best way to feel the place is by visiting. And by visiting I mean staying there, trying to listen to the ghosts in the manor house, or just enjoying the pure silence around the manor and in our beloved Farmhouse.
The Manor consists of few houses, small and big, a deck with a hot tub, a beautiful park, fantastic gardens, and one house that is slightly of the classical manor style called the Farmhouse. Manor house rooms are perfect if you're looking for chic digs in the manor overlooking the beautiful park, but the Farmhouse is ideal if your days here are meant to be alone, silent, and off the beaten track. Nevertheless, it is equipped with all the modern necessities (including a bottle of champagne and wine), your very own sauna, home cinema, fireplace, and terraces up and downstairs. This place, with its bath almost outside overlooking the forest, is just to die for. There's no other place like it: well hidden behind trees but with a view to the bay whenever you wish.
There are more rooms outside the manor house located to the side of the park and very close to the spa. The spa is another experience. Very intimate, with its traditional sauna, ice bath, water beds and treatments, it is an ultimate experience, if you like to take spas seriously and not share the corridors with many strangers. And if the weather allows, do not forget to take you herbal tea with honey on the terrace – there's nothing better. Well, maybe there is one thing – the hot tub by the bay. By the bay by the firewood wall, there is a hot tub overlooking the bay and Moon Island. Burning firewood is the most charming aroma. It is a fantastic experience, while the stomach prepares for dinner activities.
Although, everything is there, if it weren’t for the food, it wouldn't be the same. At the end of the day, we all want to have great food, especially if we come far for it. Take note – the food is great, as is the wine list and service (as well the provided bikes that are handy the day after a big dinner). With its new chef de cuisine, Stefan Berwanger, Alexander Restaurant has returned to the basics – the simplicity of local produce, where sauce is just a base to highlight the main ingredient, be it local flounder, cod, veal tongue, kohupiima (cottage cheese), local eggs, or nuts from the trees. The Island's nine course tasting menu is a great way to taste it all – the freshest produce from their garden and around. And I love the idea that they serve jatku leib (local sourdough bread) with Saaremaa butter as a separate dish (in respect of tradition). I have had other experiences where dinner is superb but breakfast is not, but this is not the case: freshly baked bread, local butter, various types of eggs, local pork sausages, the most divine cakes, and kama (local as local can be) are all part of the Pädaste Manor deal – to enjoy life to its fullest, but never forget about the most basic thing, that it all starts with simple, clean, and great food.
Things to do:
On the property – spa, hot tub, walking, eating, and relaxing
Take their bikes and bike where eyes take you – we love to bike to ...... harbour
Canoe, sup and swim, when the weather allows
Arrange early morning fishing with their fisherma
For luxury experience – order a helicopter and see Muhu from above, or better order it to your home city and get there by helicopter
Enjoy an evening by the bonfire at the bay
Horse drawn carriage rides through forest trails might end with a glass of champagne or a cocktail
Learn how to make porcelain or quilt weaving
Text and pictures: Signe Meirane
Photos taken with Sony alpha 7s
