Bladenhorst Castle, Moated castle in Castrop-Rauxel, Germany
Bladenhorst is a moated castle in Castrop-Rauxel with four wings built in Renaissance style and marked by a medieval gatehouse. The structure sits on fenland near where three rivers meet, surrounded by water that once served its defensive purpose.
The first recorded mention dates to 1266 when it served as a residence for the lords of Blarnhurst. Major rebuilding work between 1530 and 1584 transformed it into the Renaissance structure seen today.
The castle takes its name from the Blarnhurst family who originally built it, shaping its identity across generations. The four-winged layout reflects building styles from different eras and shows the tastes of those who lived here over time.
The castle remains in private ownership, with selected areas available for rental for private events and functions. Plan ahead by contacting the property directly to arrange visits and learn about accessibility options available to guests.
The property went to auction in 2006 and sold for far below its minimum asking price, reflecting economic challenges at the time. This surprising shortfall shows how historic properties can be affected by market conditions.
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