Ilze Briede: the woman who saved a forgotten manor prefers "mistress" over "noblewoman"

Ilze Briede, known for her association with the show "Īstā latvju saimniece" (The Real Latvian Housewife), says she does not want to be called a noblewoman — she much prefers the term "mistress" or "housewife." The label fits well, since Briede is the person who rescued the Brantu manor from being forgotten and falling into ruin, bringing it back to life.

The manor, once abandoned and at risk of total collapse, now serves once again as a place full of life. According to her account, the manor's doors are now wide open to everyone — what was once a closed, forgotten building has become an open, living and accessible place that anyone can visit.

Dreams as a source of energy

Briede says that dreams are what give her the energy for such a large undertaking — they have been the source of strength that allowed her to overcome the challenges of reviving the manor. The article in which she shares her experience was first published in the TVNET+ archive in September 2025.

Ilze Briede's story shows that saving a historic estate from decay takes more than just hard work — it also requires personal commitment and belief in one's goal. The revival of the Brantu manor has become an example of how one person's determination and dreams can change the fate of a once-forgotten place, making it meaningful and accessible to the wider public once again.