Nederland - De Steeg, Kasteel Middachten

Kasteel Middachten was first mentioned in the year 1190, when it was owned by Jacobus de Mithdac. At the beginning of the 14th century Everardus van Middachten transferred the property (for protection) to Reinald Count of Gelre. Everardus - ancestor of all later Lords and Ladies van Middachten - got the castle back as a loan in 1357. It is remarkable that Middachten has never been sold. It was inherited in both male and female line and was owned by the families Middachten, Steenre, Raesfelt, Reede, Bentinck and now Ortenburg. Currently, it is held in the 25th generation.

The year 1673 is important in the history of Middachten. The French troops withdrew that year, after Stadholder Willem III had conquered the city of Bonn from the French. The castle was partially destroyed during that retreat. Godard van Reede had the castle rebuilt (1694-1697), with Palace Het Loo (nearby Apeldoorn) as the source of inspiration. He hired the same architect Jacob Roman. Kasteel Middachten has not undergone any further substantial changes since that renovation.

The garden was laid out at the beginning of the 18th century based on the garden in Versailles. In the late 18th century, the garden was adapted to the English landscape style. Later during the early 1980s, it was restored back to the original design.

In addition to the castle with its outer bailey and gardens, the Middachten Estate - which is no longer owned by the ‘family’ - also includes forests and farms. All buildings belonging to the estate can be easily recognised by the red and white painted shutters. Red and white are the colours of the coat of arms of the Middachten family.

During summer months the gardens are open for visitors. Kasteel Middachten itself is open on special days.