Er gaat niets boven Groningen
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G7: Estate Houses
Once a refuge in rough times, they later became the fancy houses for the wealthy, and are currently places of interest that appeal to people's imagination.
Castles of the north
Have you discovered them yet? Those unruly monuments hidden in the Groningen countryside? Only 16 remain of a total of 200 Groningen estate houses. Many Groningen estate houses were built as stone houses in the 13th and 14th century, but through the course of time underwent many changes from refuges in tough times to fancy homes for the wealthy. These castles of the north are strongholds of great beauty.
The Freaylemaborg
The Fraeylemaborg, one of the most beautiful preserved Groningen estate houses, is located in Slochteren. The current Groningen estate house is the result of extensions carried out in recent centuries. This house includes a number of period rooms and regular art exhibitions. Behind the house is a wooded park, designed according to the English landscape style.
Open: 1 March until 1 January from Tuesday through Friday from 10 am until 5 pm; Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 1-5 pm.
Open: 1 March until 1 January from Tuesday through Friday from 10 am until 5 pm; Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 1-5 pm.
The Menkemaborg
The Menkemaborg is located in Uithuizen, and originated from a mediaeval stone house. The current Groningen estate house dates from around 1700 and includes a number of wonderful period rooms. A garden, including a rose tunnel and maze, has been designed around the estate house, and the treasure house includes a café/restaurant.
Open: 1 March until 27 April, Tuesday through Sunday from 10-12 am and 1-4 pm, 28 April until 28 September, Monday through Sunday from 10 am until 5 pm, 29 September until 6 January (2004), Tuesday through Sunday from 10-12 am and from 1-4 pm. Closed in January and February.
Open: 1 March until 27 April, Tuesday through Sunday from 10-12 am and 1-4 pm, 28 April until 28 September, Monday through Sunday from 10 am until 5 pm, 29 September until 6 January (2004), Tuesday through Sunday from 10-12 am and from 1-4 pm. Closed in January and February.
Verhildersum
The Verhildersum Groningen estate house in Leens originated from a 14th century stone house. The current estate house has a 19th century interior, a garden including sculptures by Eddy Roos, a coach house in which regular exhibitions are held, and a museum farm.
Open: from 5 April until 2 November, Tuesday through Sunday from 10.30 am until 5 pm.
Open: from 5 April until 2 November, Tuesday through Sunday from 10.30 am until 5 pm.
Nienoord
The Nienoord Groningen estate house in Leek, originally established in 1525, has an eventful history. In 1850, after it was reduced to ashes, Nienoord was restored in the same style as that of the house of the then inhabitant (Master Van Panhuys) in the city at the Hereplein (now also housing Topstart). Today, the magnificent Groningen estate house and surrounding park are part of the Nationaal Rijtuigmuseum (National carriage museum). Near the estate is a large family park with a large recreation area, petting zoo, and a model railway.
