Twickel Castle

Twickel Castle is a protected historic country estate located near Delden in the municipality of Hof van Twente, within the province of Overijssel in the Netherlands. The moated castle serves as the centerpiece of a vast complex comprising eighty-one distinct parts. While the site was first mentioned in 1347 when Herman van Twickelo purchased the original Eysinck house, the oldest sections of the current structure date to the mid-sixteenth century. The main entrance, dated 1551, showcases early Renaissance architecture featuring a steep gable, sandstone bay windows, and intricate statuary of Adam and Eve alongside a large coat of arms. Subsequent expansions over the centuries added a south wing in 1643, an imperial staircase in 1692, and a north tower designed by English architect Robert Hesketh in 1847.

Historically, the estate has been inhabited by several prominent noble families, including the Van Twickelo, Van Raesfelt, and Van Heeckeren van Wassenaer dynasties. Due to the owners holding significant public offices such as the drost of Twente, the castle frequently hosted political negotiations and official receptions. Its extensive archives provide valuable insights not only into the residence itself but also into the broader history of the Twente region. In the twentieth century, ownership was transferred to a foundation by the last baroness, who stipulated that the castle must remain inhabited. Consequently, it continues to serve as a private residence for her descendants, specifically the Graf zu Castell-Rüdenhausen family, ensuring the property remains actively maintained and preserved for future generations.