The village Gantikow is located five kilometers northwest of the Hanseatic town of Kyritz, at the old road leading from Kyritz to Pritzwalk. Gantikow Manor is a historic manor house which stands at the village green, surrounded by one-story residential buildings arranged in a loose manner. Behind the manor, the remains of the former parks can be found which originally led to the beautiful Gantikow lake situated only hundred fifty metres from the manor.
The origins of Gantikow Manor can be traced back to the first half of the 14th century when it was owned by the von der Weide family. Over the years, the property changed hands and was eventually acquired by the von Platen family, known for their influence and important roles in the Prignitz region; later, the manor passed on to the Neubauer family. After the Second World War the manor served as housing for refugees and became later a community centre, housing multiple facilities as the local shop, the pub, the barber, the room for the doctor, apartments, and others.
The architectural style of Gantikow Manor reflects the 18th and early 19th centuries, with notable renovations taking place in 1877 after its acquisition by the Neubauer family. These renovations included the addition of a mansard roof and the installation of a Neo-Baroque balustrade staircase around 1910. The manor house exemplifies the blend of traditional architectural elements with later modifications.
The façade of the house maintains its original structure, while the fresco cycle decorating the façade was created by the painter Katharina Zipser originating from Transylvania. Her work, inspired by Byzantine frescoes, adds a unique artistic touch to the manor.
In recent years, Open Houses has been working on the gradual conservation and revitalisation of Gantikow Manor, alongside other historical buildings located in Eastern Germany. Through their work, Open Houses aims to raise awareness about cultural heritage and inspire others to join in preserving these cultural treasures. Their efforts in Gantikow have focused on maintaining the historical atmosphere and ensuring that the building retains its original charm. The ongoing conservation project includes the creation of accommodation and seminar rooms, as well as the expansion of sanitary facilities to enhance the functionality and capacity of the manor.
Open Houses, as the owner of Gantikow Manor, has an important role in community engagement and local heritage preservation. Each year, Open Houses organizes youth-oriented educational activities, conservation works, and hosts a variety of visitors at Gantikow Manor. As part of this ongoing commitment, Open Houses is facilitating the workcamp to prepare an adjacent site in the village to become a Village Museum. The building which is to serve as the village museum is a 19th-century structure combining a former stable, barn, and living space for the seasonal workers who toiled on the fields belonging to the manor. Recently inherited by the local association Dorf- und Heimatverein, this building will be gradually rehabilitated into a village museum, preserving the historical significance of the area.