De Eese, Architectural ensemble in Eesveen, Netherlands
De Eese is a large estate in Steenwijkerland municipality spanning around 800 hectares with forests, farmland, heath fields, and historical buildings distributed across its grounds. The property extends into three provinces (Overijssel, Drenthe, and Friesland) and includes a main house, hunting lodge, several farmhouses, and other historic structures.
The main house was constructed in 1619 on moated grounds where archaeological evidence points to the presence of a larger castle in the 14th century. This earlier fortification shaped the site's importance long before the current building was erected.
The estate is structured around a network of historical lanes that connect various buildings, creating a rhythm of discovery as visitors move through the grounds. These pathways form the backbone of how the place feels and functions today.
The grounds extend across several kilometers with dense forest areas, open fields, and historical pathways that can be explored on foot. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and be aware that accessibility varies depending on the season and weather conditions.
The Rode Huis, a striking red wooden house, was transported from Norway in 1917 and now stands as the largest wooden national monument in the Netherlands on the grounds. Its unexpected foreign origin and status as the only structure of its kind in the country make it a distinctive curiosity.
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