Gerdshagen Manor

The first documented mention of Gerdshagen dates back to 1224, when Bishop Brunward confirmed the extent of the Satow parish for Amelungsborn Monastery. Originally a clearing village, it was settled by Westphalian farmers. The estate was long owned by the von Rehschinkel family before being pledged to Sievert von Oertzen in 1459. In 1555, Vicke von Oertzen built the current manor house in the Renaissance style, making Gerdshagen his main residence. After a bankruptcy in 1660, the estate changed hands several times until it was reacquired by Jochim von Oertzen for the family in 1695. Despite a brief takeover by Duke Karl Leopold in 1718, it soon returned to the possession of the von Oertzen family, who invested in the estate, including the construction of a glassworks. In 1772, it was sold to Jacob Christoph Schröder. In the early 19th century, Caspar Friedrich Mühlenbruch acquired the property; in addition to his musical career, he was also successful in sheep breeding.