Plekenpol, Manor estate in Winterswijk, Netherlands
Plekenpol is a manor estate in Winterswijk featuring a pair of stone pillars at its entrance, each carved with leaf patterns and the property name. The grounds include various buildings arranged around preserved pathways and water channels that outline the original design of the property.
The estate dates from the 14th century when it served as a major hub for trade and held special privileges including asylum rights. The medieval castle that once dominated the grounds eventually disappeared, but the period's influence remains embedded in the current layout.
The estate incorporated a bleaching field for fabrics and the Berenschots watermill, demonstrating traditional Dutch agricultural and industrial practices.
The estate is accessible on foot and the entrance pillars are easily visible from the road. The surrounding area is flat and can be explored from nearby pathways, allowing for a good view of the full property from outside.
The grounds once housed a cloth bleaching facility and a watermill called Berenschots, merging craft production with noble residence in a single space. This dual function makes the estate an unusual example of a manor that served both residential and industrial purposes.
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