Haus Küchen, Water castle in Ahlen, Germany
Haus Küchen is a water castle in Ahlen featuring a T-shaped brick building with multiple stories and two wings. The structure is surrounded by remnants of its original moats, which once served a defensive purpose.
First documented in 1352 when it belonged to the Counts of Mark, the property underwent significant reconstruction in 1392 under Dietrich von Cloedt. This rebuilding established much of the structure that remains visible today.
The name comes from the word kitchen, originally referring to the cooking areas of the castle. Today visitors can observe the historical outer walls and the water channels that still surround the grounds.
The property is privately owned and not regularly open to visitors, so viewing is best done from outside the perimeter. The visible exterior allows you to appreciate the historical architecture without needing to enter the grounds.
The original layout was divided into five separate islands connected by moats, each serving different purposes within the estate. This elaborate island system with dedicated zones for gardens, farming, and waterfowl demonstrates sophisticated medieval planning.
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