Middachten Castle is strategically situated in the Veluwezoom, at a marshy bend of the river IJssel. Middachten was originally a fortified residence, standing in the water.
Freehold property
The manor house was first mentioned as: freehold property of Jacobus de Mithdac in the year 1190. Middachten House was heavily fortified in the course of the Middle Ages with thick walls to protect its occupants. The whole was extended to become a moated main fortress with forecourt. Nevertheless, the defences were not always equally effective, as the castle was attacked and plundered on several occasions.
Feudal estate
At the beginning of the 14th century, Everardus van Middachten transferred his estate to Count Reinoud I of Gelre, so that he could rely on the count’s protection. In exchange, Everardus was offered the estate on loan. This meant that Everardus would provide the count with military and financial support. Middachten has never been sold to this day. It has been passed down through the male or female line and has remained in the hands of the same family.
Palace
The house and its gardens only acquired their present palatial form in the late 17th century. The inner courtyard of the medieval stronghold was converted into a hall with a grand stairway. The whole was covered by a richly decorated dome. The forecourt became a garden, later flanked by two residential buildings. The castle has not changed significantly since this conversion.
Estate
Besides the castle with its forecourt and gardens, the estate also includes woodland and several farms. Like their forefathers, the farmers pay rent to the lord of the castle (a lady these days). A steward administers the entire estate. All the buildings on the estate are easy to recognise from the red and white painted shutters – the colours of the House of Middachten coat of arms.
