The Hungarian University of Agricultural and Life Sciences (MATE) is putting 42 of its properties up for auction, including eight in Keszthely. Of particular note is the inclusion of the Georgikon Water Park and Beach, previously earmarked for development, which is now also up for sale at a guide price of HUF 904 million (EUR 2.22 million).

The higher education institution, established in 2021 as a foundation of the state-owned Szent István University, will be auctioning a total of 42 properties in Szarvas, Gödöllő and Keszthely this April, according to 24.hu. On the Keszthely campus alone, eight properties with a combined value of nearly HUF 2 billion (EUR 4.92 million) will be sold.

In a surprising turn of events, the management of the local MATE campus had intended to develop the Georgikon Water Park and Beach in Keszthely in 2022. However, they are now auctioning off the area between the Helikon Hotel and the Sirius Hotel for HUF 904 million (EUR 2.22 million), the newspaper reports.

Among the properties for sale in Keszthely is a former dormitory building that has been in a state of disrepair for years and is no longer in use. This property, which offers a panoramic view of Lake Balaton and is located next to Helikon Beach, is being offered at a guide price of HUF 325 million (EUR 800,000). Also for sale in the western part of Keszthely, next to the Csókakő stream, is a property of nearly three and a half hectares, with a guide price of HUF 308 million (EUR 760,000).

A castle near Lake Balaton is for sale

A Zichy Castle in Fonyód, awaiting a buyer, has appeared on a real estate agency’s website. It is listed for HUF 790 million (EUR 1.94 million).

The castle, situated on a 30-hectare site, has a floor area of 665 square metres and contains 26 rooms. Anyone interested may view the property.

Revived in the nineties

The Sonline County news portal reports that the building, dating back to the early 1900s, was once used as a summer residence by Count Béla Zichy and his family. Neglected during the communist era, the building served as office space for the local peat mine until the 1980s. In the 1990s, however, it was revived and restored to its original character as a hunting lodge, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the family.

“The castle is still in the family, or rather in the children’s names. However, the family no longer lives in Fonyód—the father is often abroad and the children live in Budapest. No one has the time or energy to take care of the estate anymore,” said Valéria Erős, who is handling the sale of the castle, speaking to the portal.

Read more here: Hungary’s historic gem awaits its new owner: Zichy Castle for sale – details and PHOTOS.