Fraeylemaborg, Historic farmhouse and Rijksmonument in Slochteren, Netherlands
Fraeylemaborg is an estate with an eastern annex and a western tower that transitions from a square base to an octagonal shape. The building features two cross wings with brick chimneys and now functions as a museum hosting regular exhibitions.
The estate began as a farm in 1475 and was later transformed into a fortified structure to protect harvests from robbers. This change shows how agricultural properties evolved into defensive buildings over time.
The interior shows 18th-century stucco decorations with coats of arms that reflect connections to important local families. Visitors can still see this artistic detail today and understand the social ties of the residents who lived here.
The estate is easily accessible and offers regular changing exhibitions throughout the year. Visitors should allow enough time to explore the rooms and architectural details at a comfortable pace.
Two clock bells hang on wrought iron arms on the exterior of the tower, an unusual feature for Dutch heritage buildings. This distinctive installation allowed earlier residents to tell time in a distinctive way.
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