Sterckshof Castle

The site's history dates back to the 13th century when a fortified farmhouse called "Hooftvunder" stood there, surrounded by a moat, likely protecting a nearby wooden bridge over the Grote Schijn River. In 1523, Gerard Sterck acquired the property, then described as a farm with a house, brewery, and fishponds. Sterck, a a merchant and advisor to Emperor Charles V, had buildings with towers erected and named it Sterckhof. The castle changed hands multiple times, including to Jacob Edelheer, who furnished it with art and scientific collections. Sterckshof survived the wars of the 16th and 17th centuries unscathed, but fell into disrepair after the childless death of Jacob van Lemens in 1664 due to inheritance disputes.