Kasteel Middachten

Middachten was rebuilt between 1693 and 1698 for Godard van Reede, Earl of Athlone, after French troops wrecked the medieval castle in 1673, and it is one of the most complete country houses of the Dutch classical period: a rectangular brick block with a hipped roof standing in a rectangular moat, symmetrical, with formal gardens on the axis and an avenue approach through the estate. It has passed by inheritance ever since and is still the family's home, which sets the terms of the visit - the house opens for a limited number of weeks in summer and for a Christmas event, and outside those dates it is closed entirely. The interiors have the original panelling, tapestries, portraits and furniture accumulated over three centuries. The gardens are open more often. The estate runs along the IJssel below the Veluwezoom scarp.

History

A castle here is first mentioned in 1190, owned by Jacobus de Mithdac, and it stayed with the Van Steenre family from the 14th century until 1625. After French troops wrecked it in 1673, Godard van Ginkel and his wife Ursula van Raesfelt had it rebuilt on the model of Het Loo Palace to designs by Jacobus Roman and Steven Vennecool, with a garden laid out after 1698 (Wikipedia, Middachten Castle).

What to look for

• A 1698 classical house - rebuilt after French troops wrecked the medieval castle in 1673.
• A rectangular moat - the house standing symmetrically in water with an avenue approach.
• Three centuries of contents - panelling, tapestries and furniture in one family's line.
• Formal gardens on the axis - laid out with the house and restored.

When to go

Summer opening weeks or the December event. Half a day.

What to expect

The house is a private home and opens on very few dates a year - check them before travelling, as most of the year there is no interior access at all. Gardens open more often. Photography inside is restricted.

Nearby

Kasteel Rosendael is west; the Veluwezoom park is behind.

Key facts