In the Middle Ages, Szépalma was a royal estate, a “prédium” or major. At that time it was known as the “Great Fortress”. It owes its present name to Bálint Török, who planted apple orchards in the area. The old gardens have now been cleared, but the occasional fruit trees in the pastures and the surrounding area suggest that fruit growing once flourished here.
In the 17th century, the area became the property of the Eszterházy family, who were engaged in horse breeding and crop growing.
After the Eszterházy family, the estate passed to Count Endre Mikó Pejacsevich. He is responsible for the arboretum and the establishment of the count’s graveyard. During this period, in 1927, the oldest stable building of the estate was built, the gatehouse, which is still in use today.
In 1962, the land and the stud became the property of the Bábolna State Farm, which, in addition to breeding English thoroughbreds, also tried to breed poultry.
In 1994 the stud farm was taken over by the Swiss in a dilapidated state. The renovation and reconstruction of the former stables, farm and residential buildings began, a covered riding arena was built in 1995 and the Szépalma Hotel opened its doors.
Between 1998 and 2002, the area was used as a hobby stable, and by 2011 a serious equestrian tourism service had developed. In 2018, rescued animals from the Austrian-based Gut Aiderbichl Foundation arrived. From then on, Szépalma’s goal became to become a home for the animals’ needs with an on-site veterinary practice for hard-luck horses, sheep, goats and cattle. As a result of many years of work, in 2024, the Szépalma Animal Welfare Foundation was established.