Haus Herl, Water castle in Buchheim, Germany
Haus Herl is a water castle in Buchheim situated along the Strunde River and surrounded by its characteristic moat. The estate spans agricultural land and includes the main residence alongside the Herler Mill, which remains an integral part of the property.
The property traces back to the 9th century when it served as an administrative center for a Frankish royal court. In 1663, it was transformed into a fortified water castle under the ownership of Knight Heinrich Herl.
The main house and adjacent Herler Mill form an ensemble that still shows the historical connections between residential space and mill operations. The combination of these two buildings reveals how such places once linked farming and craftsmanship together.
The estate is preserved with its moat and historical structures intact, making it a valuable example of medieval defensive architecture. Visitors should note that portions of the grounds remain in active agricultural use and the castle can be viewed from the outside.
The original moat system has been preserved and makes this one of the oldest knight's castles on the right bank of the Rhine near Cologne. This feature shows how the water-based defensive systems of that era were designed to manage both protection and access.
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