Fraeylemaborg, Slochteren, Netherlands

The Fraeylemaborg was one of the most important borg in the province of Groningen. These strong houses or keeps were built in the Middle Ages to store harvests and to protect their produce from robbers. Besides churches, these structures were the only buildings that used durable stone and masonry. In due time they grew to become centres of power and wealth. The Fraeylemaborg is located in the middle of the town of Slochteren which upon its discovery in 1959 gave its name to the largest gasfield in the world.

In 1475 there was already a farm with the name Frealemaheerd. The building originates from the 16th century. The left wing was built in the 17th century. In 1680 the borg was sold by Evert Rengers, son of the former lord of the manor, because of his family debts. It was bought by Henric Piccardt (married to Anna Elizabeth Rengers, Evert's sister), who borrowed the necessary funds from Stadtholder William III. Piccardt extensively rebuilt the borg and he also landscaped a huge formal garden in the style of Louis XIV's France. After Piccardt's death the borg fell into disrepair. In 1781 the Fraeylemaborg was sold to Hendrik de Sandra Veldman. He rebuilt it into the shape it has today. Among his innovations was the removal of two towers which had graced the front square.

References:

Wikipedia

Castles and fortifications in Netherlands

User Reviews

Mark (MarktheShark) (3 years ago)
Nice place to go for a walk.

Osakwe Ozi (4 years ago)
Very laid back, quiet and pleasant place to visit if in the area. The woods behind the castle is just magnificent.

Charmaine (4 years ago)
Beautiful place to take a walk through the forest with lots of interesting little 'finds' along the way.

Aline Eclair (5 years ago)
Really beautiful place! There is a building that is really beutiful for photos, but take a walk around the forest around the building. I´ve been there at autumn, it was really nice. A moment to connect with nature and breath.

Dick van Soest (5 years ago)
Beautiful burgh, lovely park. The burgh has a wonderful 17th century painted ceiling in one of the rooms

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