Built around 1250 by the lords of Berkule, Calenberg Castle was granted to the Papenheim family in 1307 and later became known as Rave von Calenberg. After a feud over inheritance in 1464, it was resolved in 1471. In 1868, Hugo Schuchard purchased the estate, including the castle, and extensively renovated it from 1880 to 1884. The castle served various purposes over the years, including housing refugees after 1945. In 1972, it was acquired by Karl-Heinz Rehkopf and faithfully restored.
The Château de Chantilly comprises two attached buildings: the Petit Château built around 1560 for Anne de Montmorency, and the Grand Château, which was destroyed during the French Revolution and rebuilt in the 1870s. Owned by the Institut de France, the château houses the Musée Condé. It is one of the finest art galleries in France and is open to the public.
The estate"s connection with the Montmorency family began in 1484. The first mansion (now replaced by the Grand Château) was built in 1528–1531 for the Constable Anne de Montmorency by Pierre Chambiges. The Petit Château was also built for him, around 1560, probably by Jean Bullant. In 1632, after the death of Henri II, it passed to the Grand Condé who inherited it through his mother, Charlotte Marguerite de Montmorency.
Several interesting pieces of history are associated with the château during the 17th century.