Armenhoef, Medieval farmhouse in Best, Netherlands
Armenhoef is a medieval farmhouse in Best with five anchor beam trusses visible in its barn section and a mix of steel windows across its brick walls. The building continues to serve agricultural purposes while maintaining its original structural framework.
The farmhouse was built in 1263 and ranks among the oldest surviving above-ground farmhouses in the Netherlands and Western Europe. Its original timber frame from that period demonstrates medieval construction methods used in Dutch rural buildings.
The name reflects its historical role in supporting local poor communities through farming and donations. Visitors can still sense this purpose in how the building was designed and organized.
The farmhouse is located at Oirschotseweg 117 and remains reasonably accessible despite its rural setting. Keep in mind this is an active agricultural property, so respect for ongoing farm operations is essential.
The building displays rare examples of medieval construction techniques visible in its preserved anchor beams. These details survive in such original form in very few other farmhouses of the region.
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