The Urhegyi Villa in Balatonszemes Awaits Rescue

For more than a century, Lake Balaton has attracted those seeking relaxation and recreation. A series of hotels, villas and family holiday homes were built in the lakeside towns. The development of infrastructure made it possible for large numbers of people to travel here, spend their leisure time, and create memories that lasted a lifetime. However, some of the old holiday homes no longer shine with their former splendour — and a villa in Balatonszemes has suffered the same fate.

Lake Balaton began to gain popularity at the beginning of the 1900s, and its appeal was further enhanced by continuously improving infrastructure. New harbours were built in Földvár in 1907, in Fonyód and Siófok in 1908, and in Balatonboglár and Balatonszemes in 1912. By the 1920s and 1930s, working conditions had changed significantly: the eight-hour working day was introduced, leisure time increased, and interest in physical activity and holidays grew in parallel. Public health services, water supply and sewage systems were developed in the Balaton region, making the area increasingly attractive from an investment perspective as well. Hotels and villas began to be built to welcome those seeking rest and recreation. Holiday trains, rail buses and motor coaches were introduced, followed by a ferry service between Tihany and Szántód in 1927, as well as a domestic flight route connecting Siófok – Almádi – Füred – Földvár – Siófok. Lake Balaton became increasingly popular, allowing more and more people to travel here or even build their own holiday homes in one of the lakeside settlements. The Urhegyi family chose Balatonszemes. The owners of the villa worked as hairdressers in Budapest, and they recognised and took advantage of an opportunity that presented itself.

Those who spend longer periods of time on the shores of Lake Balaton — for example, weeks or even months during the summer season — often wish to continue using certain beauty and personal care services. Those who value maintaining a perfect hairstyle want to visit a hairdresser during their holiday as well, regardless of when they arrived for their stay. Bálint Urhegyi and his wife worked as hairdressers in Budapest at 34 Teréz Boulevard, in the salon bearing the names of Bálint Urhegyi and József Hacsek. They loved spending their summers by the water, so in the 1920s they had a holiday home built on the southern shore of Lake Balaton, in Balatonszemes. The settlement, located near Balatonszárszó, Balatonőszöd and Balatonlelle, was already considered a holiday resort area at that time. Recognising the opportunity, they opened a local hairdressing salon. Their reputation and professional recognition further strengthened their fame, meaning they welcomed guests seeking beauty treatments not only in the capital but also in this popular lakeside resort area.