Haus Blumenthal, Water castle in Brachelen, Germany.
Haus Blumenthal is a water castle in Brachelen featuring a rectangular layout with a two-story main building of seven bays and an adjacent hall building with side wings and stone portals. A moat surrounds the entire complex, emphasizing the defensive character of the structure.
The castle was first documented in 1452 under Karl von Honseler and passed to Johann von Blumenthal in 1542, who gained noble status from Emperor Charles V. This early history reflects the changing ownership and growing importance of the estate over subsequent centuries.
The name refers to the Blumenthal family, whose influence shaped the estate from the 16th century onward. The building displays architectural details in its portals and large windows that reflect different periods, visible to visitors as they walk around the property.
The best way to explore the castle is by walking around the exterior to view the architecture and moat from different angles. As the building is currently undergoing renovation, the interior is typically not accessible, though the outside views provide a good sense of the structure.
The property includes an English landscape garden, an uncommon feature for a castle of this type and era. Future restoration plans aim to recover the original bridge that crossed the water into the courtyard, reinstating the historic approach to the estate.
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