Peter Blumer (1587-1669)
had the house extended to its present form at the beginning
of the 17th century according to plans drawn up by his father Othmar III.
This magnificent house which for many years enjoyed the reputation of being the
tallest building in Glarnerland, was designated a Bailiff's House after Peter I,
his sons and their descendents carried out the duties of local bailiff
on a number of occasions, which included assuming voluntary functions;
they took up residence in the castles of Baden, Werdenberg and
other important places in the ancient Swiss confederation.
The influence of the late Gothic period can still be seen in the building's foundations
(massive stone surrounding walls and interior timbering work).
The interior décor of a number of individual rooms (wall and ceiling panelling)
already show signs of Renaissance influence. There are two small salons on
the fifth floor which used to serve as rooms for receiving guests and there are
two parlours furnished in a richer-than-usual style (as evidenced by the wall and ceiling
panelling and door frame).
What is striking are the well-preserved late-Gothic yew pillars supporting the windows.
--- Anno 1700 ---
... around 1900
In the late 18th century and then again in the early 19th century, the house underwent
a number of renovations to adapt it to the style that predominated at the time:
magnificent parkett flooring was laid, wooden panelling installed, while a number of doors
were adapted to the Biedermeier style.
The building has six stories and is recognisable from a distance thanks to its steep gable roof.
The size and solid construction of the building was in keeping with the builder's wish
to construct a building that, while being spacious, remained practical.
The main house of the Blumers of Nidfurn, a Glarnerland family dating back to the 15th century
that was respected and wealthy, made this house its family estate for 10 generations right up to 1918.
Today, visitors see a typical example of a building's transitory phase from a simple,
late Middle-Age building to a Bailiff's Manor boasting all the comforts of the Renaissance.
