The Mandl Castle, originally called “El Fuerte,” is a stunning house located approximately 1,211 meters above sea level, dating back to the late 1920s and spanning around 10 hectares. It sits high on the outskirts of the town of La Cumbre, in the Punilla Valley, Córdoba, Argentina.

La Cumbre is just 96 km from the city of Córdoba and 790 km from Buenos Aires. It has a private airport just 8 km from the property. La Cumbre is a town with English railway history, full of culture and youthful energy. It has always had schools of a very good standard. Writers like Manuel Múgica Laínez and painter Ocampo are among the famous figures who brought life to this area known for its artists, artisans, and nature lovers. The Rotary Club is also part of this world, along with golf, the Dakar Rally, and major hang gliding and paragliding championships. Activities in the area include golf, hiking, horseback riding, and hang gliding/paragliding, among others.

The house was built for the renowned surgeon from Rosario, Bartolomeo Vasallo, by the architects Emilio Maisonnave, Ernesto Mansella, and Durand in the late 1920s. Fritz Mandl acquired it in the 1940s, when the house reached its peak due to his lifestyle (17th wealthiest on Forbes) and the important guests it hosted — presidents, ambassadors, ministers, financiers, judges, and other prominent figures from around the world.

Hungarian architect Jorge Kalnay completely renovated the property between 1943 and 1947. The castle was transformed into a European-style chalet with a modern, minimalist design by the renowned French designer Jean Michel Frank, influenced by the famous Swiss designer-sculptor Diego Giacometti, and furnished by the prestigious Comte house.

Further interior renovations and maintenance were done between 1994–2000 and in 2005.

Structures on the property include the Main House, 2 Caretaker Houses, San Jerónimo Guesthouse, and Stables.

San Jerónimo: A 250 m² single-story guesthouse with two very large bedrooms. Includes a caretaker house, stables for four horses, and a carriage garage.

ACCOMMODATION

The house has 3 grand floors.

COMMON AREAS (Ground Floor):

Two main entrances — one on the bar side and one at the main façade.

The entrance, bar, two living rooms, and dining room all have large windows overlooking the greenery. The bar and both living rooms have working fireplaces. The bar floor is original from Vasallo’s time, and the living room floors are marble. One living room has a long green sofa running the length of a large window with a lovely view. The entrance features a large Cuzco-style painting from F.M.'s collection.

The dining room includes a round wooden table custom-made for F.M. to seat 20–22 guests, and a large wrought iron chandelier with candles and lights. The dining room is semi-circular with a beautiful view. All rooms are connected by large sliding doors.

BEDROOMS (16 total):

Distributed as follows: Ground Floor – 4 bedrooms, First Floor – 9 bedrooms, Second Floor – 3 bedrooms.

All rooms have private bathrooms except for the children’s room, which shares a bathroom with the nanny’s room.

Each room has a unique feature — views, balconies, fireplaces, proximity to the pool, three-sided views, private sitting areas, or original flooring and tiles. All bathrooms are complete, except one (on the first floor) which has a shower instead of a bathtub. There’s also a guest bathroom and a staff bathroom. The rooms are spacious with high ceilings.

A wide wooden spiral staircase leads from the main entrance to the first floor. Another staircase accesses all floors.

The second floor includes a large colonial-style suite and two rooms with bathrooms featuring original flooring.

The third floor has three service rooms, a bathroom, and a large workspace. This floor is bright, with ceiling windows offering only distant views.

POOL

Located in a discreet, elevated spot, separated from the house. It has a large sunbathing area and is accessible via a stone bridge from the first floor or through the garden. It offers beautiful views.

WINE CELLAR

Near the bar, a staircase leads to a basement. B.V. once used it to replicate a torture chamber, but F.M. converted it into a wine cellar.

SERVICES AREA

The kitchen is divided into three distinct areas for optimal functionality. From one section, two doors lead to the dining room — one for entering and one for exiting.

Above the kitchen, there are two service rooms, a bathroom, and a work area. This area is below the bridge to the pool and not visible from the main guest areas. Above this section is the second floor with guest rooms. There’s also a small dumbwaiter connecting the kitchen to the first floor.

LAND AND GROUNDS

From the town, a dirt road climbs the hillside to the main entrance. It passes through a tunnel flanked by arches with breathtaking views. Above the tunnel is a garden with expansive views.

There’s a secondary service entrance 200 meters behind the property, next to the caretaker’s house.

There are five adjoining plots: two with the main house above the road and three below, which belong to San Jerónimo. The approximately 10 hectares provide privacy to the estate.

San Jerónimo has olive and fruit trees, a water well by the river, an intermediate tank at the main house, and another tank at the top of the mountain. This system allows the entire property to be irrigated.

SERVICES:

Pool, enclosed garage for 2 cars, park/garden, and stables.