Slezský Grunt in Háj ve Slezsku–Smolkov is a unique place where history, tradition and modern countryside style come together in one harmonious whole. The original farmhouse from 1870 has been carefully restored and today serves as a stylish restaurant and guesthouse that honours Silesian roots and family values.
The first records of Slezský Grunt date back to 1870, when the estate appears in the land register as a “bauern grunt” – a farm in the village of Smolkau, today’s Smolkov, part of Háj ve Slezsku. A year later, in 1871, Josef Křížek and his wife Anna, née Galdia, are listed as the first owners, and since then the farm has remained continuously in the hands of the Křížek family, making it a rare family heritage of the region.
History of the farmhouse
An interesting detail is that the “výměnek” (no. 24) was built earlier than the current restaurant building, and originally all buildings shared one house number (restaurant no. 3, výměnek 3a) before being separated and numbered individually. Among the most valuable historical sources are photographs from 1889, showing the original appearance of the farm and the construction of the výměnek, which later helped to restore the authentic look of the courtyard.
During the Second World War, Smolkov was heavily bombed and many homesteads were destroyed, but Slezský Grunt was spared direct hits and kept its original character; only the barn and adjacent shed burned down. Period photographs, now displayed inside the restaurant, recall this dramatic chapter of history. After the war, the farm continued to serve agricultural and farming purposes, and several historic machines and tools from that time are preserved today as part of the collection.
Renovation – bringing the place back to life
In 2012 a major renovation of Slezský Grunt began, with the aim of preserving the historic appearance while adapting the farm to modern needs. The work started with the repair of the unique slate roof and continued with the renovation of traditional casement windows, floors and interiors in line with the original architecture. Every detail – from materials to rustic accessories – was chosen so the place would not lose its soul.
At the heart of the restaurant are the original tiled stoves, which create a warm atmosphere and symbolise continuity between past and present. The renovation was a personal project of the Křížek family, who invested not only work but also their affection for the site, its history and the local community.