Westhove Castle

Oostkapelle, Netherlands

Westhove Castle was probably built in the beginning of the 13th century. It consisted of a moated castle and bailey separated by a moat. The bailey had three entrances and two round towers. The castle itself also had two towers. The castle and the surrounding lands became the property of the Abbey of Middelburg in 1277. It served as the summer residence of the abbots.

Around 1560 the castle's west side was extended. And in 1562 the castle became an episcopal summer mansion. In 1572 it was stormed by the Geuzen because of its Spanish occupation and partially destroyed. Only the north face of the castle was spared. After this the castle was rebuild and again made suitable for habitation.

In the second half of the 19th century the exterior of the castle was plastered but in the beginning of the 20th century this plaster was removed again. In the beginning of the 20th century the castle was used as a nursing home for children.During WW II the castle was again heavily damaged. In 1948 the outside of the castle was repaired, followed in 1977 by a thorough restoration of its interiors.

Because of all these changes during the castles history, caused by damages and the following repairs, not much remains of the real medieval castle. What we see today mostly dates back to the 17th and 18th century.

The castle is now used as a Youth Hostel and lies in a nature reserve only a couple of minutes walk from the beaches.

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Details

Founded: 13th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Netherlands

More Information

www.castles.nl

Rating

4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Shravan Rangarajan (6 months ago)
Stayed 1 night here. It was really good - the room was clean, and the food in the restaurant was delicious. The bathroom, though small, is adequate. Just don't forget to get your own toiletries.
Mario Horlbeck (13 months ago)
An exceptionally beautiful place for a youth hostel with very nice staff right in the countryside. We would love to come back.
Jonathan Davis (16 months ago)
Situated on the string of reclaimed land, known as Zeeland, past the impressive Delta Works Project, this stayokay hostel location was the ideal spot to bring our family for a couple days escape from the city. Who doesn't want to sleep in a castle? The rooms were modest, but well equipped with a private shower and bathroom. The heating was working thoroughly too. WiFi was a bit inconsistent on-site, but steady when you connected on the ground floor, by reception. Our kids had fun running around the gardens with the other kids, so nice to see families engaging with one another. Will definitely visit again!
Mikkel Kristensen (2 years ago)
Great value for the money and what an interesting place to have a hostel. Service was excellent.
Peter Adams (2 years ago)
Extraordinary setting. The castle is looking good and preserved as are the gardens and water ways. The local forest, beach and Monreal trees are things to see also the neighbouring towns Oostkappelle, Domburg, Middleburg are super very attractive. This all is very beautiful and stunning. I in a room with German family we played cards we had good times the German man joked that it was a long drop from out the 2nd floor window therefore i should try to ammuse him. Some locals also stopped me to talk a few times and we engaged in long conversations. I must return to this place i really loved it soo much its unique and very stunning.
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