- Noémi Vizi
- Photos: Soós Bertalan
- Reading time: 3 minutes
The Gencsy Mansion Awaits Its Rescuer
We have previously visited Tibolddaróc, where we introduced the Majtényi Mansion. This time, we turn our attention to the Gencsy Mansion, which is awaiting its restoration. Located in the centre of the village, approximately 40 kilometres from Miskolc, the mansion was commissioned by Alajos Fáy—Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Borsod County and one of the county's leading figures during the Hungarian Revolution of 18481—and was built at the end of the 18th century.
The mansion has a floor area of approximately 300 square metres and features a mansard roof, making the attic suitable for conversion into additional rooms alongside the existing nine. The building once housed a nationally renowned library, complete with valuable collections of coins and paintings. Some of these treasures can still be seen today in the exhibitions of the Hungarian National Museum. In 1879, ownership passed from the Fáy family to the Gencsy family of Érmihályfalva. The 4–5-hectare wooded Gencsy Park even included a tennis court, providing an elegant setting for recreation and relaxation for the family and their guests. Following the death of the head of the family, Zoltán Gencsy, another tragedy struck. A flood on the Kácsi Stream inundated the mansion, damaging everything inside. Faced with the devastation, the widow decided to leave the property behind and move away.
The Gencsy heirs enjoyed playing cards, and like many passionate players, they experienced both fortunate and unfortunate periods. During one particularly unlucky evening, the Gencsy Mansion itself became part of the stakes, and Dr. Zoltán Reizmann became its new owner. Reizmann, together with his team of viticulture and winemaking experts, produced the base wine for Törley sparkling wine until the 1970s. Although the Reizmann family fled Hungary during the anti-Jewish persecutions preceding the Second World War, the Tokaj-Hegyalja State Farm continued supplying the sparkling wine producer for many years afterwards. Later, the estate housed a cooperage workshop, became the property of the Roman Catholic Church, and was eventually offered for sale.
The current condition of the Gencsy Mansion can be seen in the photographs. Once standing proudly in the middle of a magnificent park, the Baroque-Classical building has fallen into severe disrepair and now requires extensive restoration. It patiently awaits a new owner—someone who can recognise its potential and transform it into a family residence, a hospitality venue, an exhibition space, an event centre, or even a retirement home. According to the latest available information, the mansion is protected as a historic monument in recognition of its heritage. We sincerely hope that one day we will have the opportunity to report on its successful restoration and its new future.
Source: Information board in front of the Gencsy Mansion
