Żegiestów Zdrój is a little spa-village on the southern border of Poland. Before the WWII it experienced an impressive growth period becoming a trendy resort competing with neighbouring Piwniczna and Muszyna. The most important part of the resort business was run by Spółka Żegiestów Zdrój. It was a privately owned company with 10+ shareholders. They have build several resort buildings with the most important “Dom Zdrojowy” with restaurant, cafeteria and surrounding park. The company also produced mineral water and offered various health services.

In 1947 a communist government of Poland nationalized the company property using the law allowing nationalization of “key branches of national economy”. This was an obvious misuse of the law, but despite of many protests of the company the decision was implemented.  

Starting from 1990 the company shareholders are fighting to reverse the government decision. The company is again registered as a Żegiestów Zdrój Spółka z o.o. Ministry of Health has reversed the 1947 decision and decided to return the property to the company. This decision was sued by the current user of the property “Uzdrowisko  Krynica-Żegiestów”, but the Administrative Court re-confirmed the Ministry decision. The Court however decided to return the decision back to the Ministry of Health to correct procedural errors. As a result property recovery is delayed , but “Żegiestów Zdrój Spółka z o.o.” may soon get back all the property. 

Over the years the buildings were not maintained, some were destroyed and “Dom Zdrojowy” is not in use since four years.  Returning the property to the pre-nationalization state would require a significant investment.