Sterreschans, Architectural ensemble in Nieuwersluis, Netherlands.
Sterreschans is a country estate in Nieuwersluis comprising multiple buildings from different periods, including a coach house, gardener's residence, and stone barn. The main structure displays classical design with a rectangular layout split between a street-facing section and a narrower riverside wing.
The site began as a fortress built in 1673 to defend against French invasion, then was converted into a residential estate by David Rutgers in 1688. This transformation marked a shift from military to civilian purpose.
The property has deep roots in the Mennonite community that settled along the Vecht River over centuries. Visitors can still sense this heritage through the way the buildings and grounds are organized together.
The estate sits along Rijksstraatweg and is visible from various vantage points, with a large pond and walking paths that traverse the grounds. Visitors should know that this is a protected monument and some areas are best viewed from outside.
The estate preserves a remarkable 18th-century brick wall that marks the northern edge of the former kitchen garden and remains visible today. This old boundary reveals how carefully the grounds were planned and maintained over time.
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