Dům čp. 70 House

Welcome to the village of Habartice, in the heart of the Frýdlanta. You are standing in front of the house with the number seventy, which is a silent but proud witness to the history of this border region. If you look at it now, you'll see a building that carries a trail of centuries and tells a story about how it used to live and build in this area. It's a house that immediately captures you with its modesty and its uniqueness. There is a building in front of you with a rectangular plan that matches exactly the character of local folk architecture.

Now let's stop at how this house came into being. The construction dates back to the early nineteenth century, i.e. when different building materials were combined in these areas according to what was available and what was customary in the area. It was during this period, around the year a thousand eight hundred, that the house was built in combination of grafted and walled structures. This combination is not random, but reflects the practical approach of the then builders who wanted to ensure the stability of the house while using available wood from surrounding forests. Although today we do not know the names of the particular craftsmen who raised this house, their work is still visible in every beam and stone.

Now pay attention to the architecture itself and to what you see right in front of you. Notice how the house divides space. We have the ground floor and above it the paved floor, which is a typical element that gives the construction its specific form. Look up on the roof. It is a saddle roof, which is now covered by eternity templates. Even if it is material later, the total silhouette of the house remains true to its original form.

Let me now lead you to the details you might miss at first glance. Please direct your attention to the south side of the house where the entrance to the hall is located. Look carefully at the door. This door is not from the original time of the house, but it was installed much later, probably around a thousand nine hundred. Note their ornaments, which are performed in Art Nouveau style. It is fascinating to see how elements of the then modern urban art and elegance have been integrated into the simple folk house over time. The Art Nouveau with its smooth lines creates an interesting contrast to the robust grafted construction.

Now let's move slowly to the sides of the building so that you can notice the differences in shield execution. If you look at the east shield of the house, you'll see it's stacked with shale plates. Slate is a material typical of this area, durable and practical. Now turn around and look at the western shield. Here you will see a completely different view because it is covered with white plates that optically complement the appearance of the whole building. This difference between the east and west side of the house is one of the most interesting visual elements you can record during the tour.

When we think about the people who lived here, we have to admit that the history of this house is not recorded in the names of famous personalities or great historical events. But it's his power. This house represents the lives of hundreds of nameless people who have worked in the border, started families and cared for their homes. It is a monument to everyday life that took place in the rhythm of nature and local customs.

The interesting thing you may be missing is the official recognition of the value of this house. Although it may seem to be an ordinary building, its architectural value is so high that in the year one thousand nine hundred sixty-six, the building was officially declared a monument protected. This means that the State has recognised that this house is an important example of popular architecture in the border area and that it is necessary to preserve it for future generations. It is a recognition of craft art that has lasted more than two centuries.

Now if you look at the whole house again, try to imagine what Habartice looked like two styles ago. Imagine the sound of cars on the road, the smell of wood and stone, and the people who flowed through these Art Nouveau doors into their homes. This house is like an open book, where every layer of material, from slate plates to grafted walls, tells its own chapter.

I hope you enjoyed this short trip in time. This house No. 70 is just one of the many pieces of history that the Frýdlantian Outpost hides in itself. I invite you now to explore the surroundings of Habartice. Feel the peace of this place and seek further clues of the past that will guide you your way. Thank you for your attention and I wish you the rest of the day to discover the beauty of our region. Goodbye.