Bladenhorst Castle (Castrop-Rauxel)

In the early 14th century, the estate passed to the von Düngelen family. In 1338, Rötger von Düngelen made the castle available to the Count of Kleve as an Offenburg, allowing its use in times of war. Through marriage, the castle came into the possession of Philipp von Viermundt in 1496. Between 1530 and 1584, the castle underwent extensive reconstruction in the late Renaissance style. From 1624 to 1881, it was owned by the von Romberg family. Later, the Weichs zur Wenne and Klöckner-Werke took responsibility for the castle. The gatehouse, originally a defensive structure, represents the oldest part, while the chapel dates back to 1332. In 2006, Sparkasse Vest acquired the castle after a forced administration and auction. Parts of the west wing were converted into condominiums starting in 2001. In 2007, the remaining part of the castle passed to a private individual from Dortmund, who acquired it from Sparkasse Vest. By 2011, further parts of the moated house and the old gatehouse were prepared for residential use.