The first written record of the Blankenfelde manor dates from 1689 when the owner was Ernst von Medem. The estate changed owners several times and was part of the von Hahnide family from 1840 until 1920. Between 1804 and 1805 the manor belonged to the Russian imperial house of Andreas von Königfelsile. Louis XVIII, King of France, lived in Blankenfelde manor for a while when he was in exile.
The complex structure of the manor dates from the mid 18th century, and the main building erected in 1743 has a 19th-century English-style park. There are currently ideas for the exploration of the estate in the concept of private ownership and tourism. The renovation work of the main building is now underway. Blankenfelde estate flower garden is part of the spring tulbifestivale.
References:The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.
In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.