Loenersloot Castle is located on the left bank of the river Angstel, accesible via a wooden lifting bridge. Although the Van Loenersloot family is mentioned already in 1156, the existence of this castle is first mentioned in 1258. The Loenersloot family, who played a rather important part in the life of the village in the 12th century, built the oldest parts of the castle.
In 1516 the castle was bought by Amelis van Amstel van Mijnden, who already owned the Mijnden Castle and the Kronenburg Castle. After his death the Loenersloot Castle was left to his second son, also named Amelis. The castle stayed in the possession of this family until the 17th century. That was when the last male descendant of the family died. There were three heiresses, only one of whom married. Maria Johanna van Amstel van Mijnded married Pieter Reinier, baron of Stepraedt. Their son Diederik Johan inherited Loenersloot, but also the estates of Doddeldael and Ewijk. Due to the number of castles the family owned, they no longer lived at Loenersloot, but rented the castle out to different people.
In 1766 the castle was bought by Hendrik Willem van Hoorn. These were not good times for the castle, since van Hoorn began to tear the castle down. Four years later, however, he went bankrupt and therefore sold the castle to Andries Jan Strick van Lindschoten. Andries Jan conserved the castle’s medieval appearance. The last owner, M.F.M. baroness van Nagell, created a Foundation for the castle. Because every family added something to the building, the appearance of the castle stems mainly from the 17th and 18th centuries, with only the round defence towers dating from the 13th century.
Today Loenersloot Castle is a private residence, therefore access for the public is restricted.
References:Birds eye view from Castle Loenersloot.
Maby a nice link to share.
Kind regards.
Dan
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