Hornoldendorf Manor

The origins of the Hornoldendorf estate lie in a domain founded by Count Simon VI in 1610. Ten years prior, he had already acquired land from indebted farmers and seized farms. In 1610, the property comprised several residential buildings, farm buildings, and various lands. Hans Adam von Hammerstein, whose family originated from Hammerstein Castle, was appointed administrator. He invested his own funds in the renovation of the buildings and settled debts. In 1614, he took over the domain as an hereditary, noble estate, as he had granted Count Simon a loan of 12,000 Thalers, which the Count repaid by transferring the estate. The estate remained in the possession of the Hammerstein family until 1804, but then changed ownership several times. The current manor house was built in 1840 under Clemens Albert Cäsar, after the original moated castle was demolished and its moat filled. Since 1939, the estate has belonged to the Oetker family.