Herema State, Medieval fortified manor in Joure, Netherlands.
Herema State is a manor house in De Fryske Marren that combines residential spaces with medieval defense features. The building now serves as the municipal hall and sits within a park featuring both formal gardens and open grounds.
The property was built in 1625 by Ebele van Grovestins and Bartold Tjaerda van Starkenborgh on the site of an earlier house demolished in 1581. This reconstruction represented a renewal of prosperity and status for the landowning families of the region.
The estate reflects how Frisian noble families built their homes and the role such mansions played in local communities. Visitors can observe how these structures served as centers of regional influence and daily administration.
The grounds are open to the public for walking and exploring the park and gardens at any time. The building itself functions as the municipal office, so access to the interior may be limited depending on official schedules.
The park was designed in 1848 by Lucas Pieters Roodbaard and blends formal garden design with natural landscape features. This thoughtful layout creates a peaceful retreat that many visitors tend to overlook.
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