Graues Haus, Manor house in Oestrich-Winkel, Germany.
Graues Haus is a stone manor in Oestrich-Winkel featuring exposed masonry, original timber framing, and open glass arcades that display romanesque architectural characteristics. The building's heavy stone walls alternate with visible wooden supports to create a distinctive and textured appearance.
This manor began its construction in the late 10th century, with timber analysis showing that roof beams were cut around 1075. Dendrochronological dating allows researchers to pinpoint when the building's main structure took its current form.
The building displays the refined proportions and craftsmanship of a noble residence, with high ceilings and decorative elements that reflect the status of its early inhabitants. These features remain visible to visitors today, offering insights into how upper-class families lived and presented themselves.
The building now functions as a restaurant, so visiting the interior requires coordination with dining hours and service times. The exterior facade can be viewed anytime to observe the stonework and timber details from the street.
The structure incorporates reused building materials from the 9th through 11th centuries, likely salvaged from the imperial palace at Ingelheim am Rhein. This practice of recycling valuable stone and timber was common among medieval builders seeking quality materials.
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