Huis Magerhorst, Manor estate in Duiven, Netherlands.
Huis Magerhorst is a manor house in Duiven with a striking stair tower and a base that includes sections from the original medieval fortified structure. The different building phases show clearly how the building evolved from a defensive stronghold into a residence.
The estate was first recorded around 1400 as a fief of Elten Abbey. A century later in 1549 it was transformed into a manor house and lost its purely defensive character.
The house shows how wealthy families lived and used their estates over many centuries. You can read from its structure how the needs for living space and protection changed over time.
The estate is located at Ploenstraat 48 and is protected as a Rijksmonument, so it is not open to the public. Visitors can see the exterior and the striking stair tower from the street.
The stair tower contains a mezekouw, a medieval defense feature with openings in the ceiling. Through these openings defenders could drop objects or liquids on attackers standing below the tower.
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