The layout and building functionality are characteristic to Northern Kurzeme farmsteads of the late 19th century and early 20th century, when Ernests Birznieks-Upītis, called Pastariņš in childhood, lived in Bisnieki. Visitors can compare the two farmsteads: the current buildings and the miniature model with houses just big enough for the wooden story characters.

The restored dwelling house provides an insight into the lifestyle of a relatively wealthy family in the middle of the 20th century, when this estate was managed by the writer Ernests Birznieks-Upītis’ brother Kārlis. The central part of the dwelling house is the kitchen with the bread oven. Next to it is the grandmother’s room with a loom, spinning wheel, knitted socks and mittens, and the characters from “Pastariņš’ Diary” carved in wood.

Made at the Weaving Workshop of Tukums Museum, the handicrafts play a significant role here. The exact replicas of blankets, or throws, were made by the master craftswoman Ruta Švampe after thorough research of the most characteristic Northern Kurzeme samples.