Oenemastate, Medieval fortified house in Heerenveen, Netherlands
Oenemastate is a fortified manor house from the 17th century located in Heerenveen with classical Dutch architectural features including symmetrical facades and large windows spaced regularly across the building. The stone structure displays the careful design typical of dwellings built for prominent families during this era.
The manor was built in 1640 for a local grietman and later served as a district administrative center and court building. The structure played an important role in governing and administering justice in the city for many decades.
The main hall displays a painted ceiling from the 17th century that shows the artistic taste of wealthy Dutch residents of that era. Such elaborate decoration was a mark of prosperity and refinement among the local nobility.
The building is located in Heerenveen's city center and now operates as a hotel with a café where you can eat and stay overnight. Keep in mind that it is an active establishment, so not all areas are freely accessible to the public.
The site has a long building history, as this manor was constructed on the foundations of an older fortified house that stood here several centuries before. This demonstrates how significant locations in Dutch city centers were maintained and reused across generations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.