Kasteel Rechteren, Medieval castle in Dalfsen, Netherlands
Kasteel Rechteren is a castle situated on an island within the Vecht river, combining elements from several centuries. The structure features thick defensive walls and houses more than forty rooms distributed across multiple floors.
Construction began in 1320 under Herman van Voorst, replacing an earlier fortified farmhouse documented as early as 1190. The castle thus represents continuous settlement and occupation of the site across generations.
The dining hall features paintings depicting Greek mythology by artist Herman ten Oever, reflecting the artistic wealth of the Overijssel region. These works continue to shape the interior character of the castle and tell of the family's appreciation for artistic collections.
The castle itself remains private and is not open to visitors, but the surrounding landscape provides ways to explore the grounds. The estate spans approximately 1,200 hectares and features walking and cycling paths through forests and fields that are freely accessible.
The castle has remained in continuous possession of the same noble family since 1339, linking together several centuries of family history. This extraordinarily long continuity of ownership makes it a rare example of stable family heritage in European architecture.
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