Ter Worm Castle

Heerlen, Netherlands

Ter Worm or Terworm Castle has existed since the 14th century and has been inhabited by several noble families. Originally it was a square building, fronted by a round tower and a rectangular tower and built around a walled courtyard. The first known owner was the Lord of Strijthagen in 1476, when the castle was a moated building fortified by external walls outside the moat. In 1498 the castle came into possession of the sheriff of Heerlen, Diederick van Pallandt. In 1542, the castle came into the possession of the Van Hallen family, and was destroyed by fire in 1550 but rebuilt in the same style. The rebuilding, completed by the Wijlre family, was done in brick and the building was painted white to disguise the difference in building materials. The castle remained in this family's possession until 1738, when Friedrich Wilhelm Freiherr von Wylre, canon of Aachen, died. His possessions passed to Phillip Anton van der Heyden zu Belderbusch.

In 1767 the castle was restored by Count Maximilian van der Heyden-Belderbusch and the gardens laid out in the French rococo style. In 1840 the castle was inherited by Antoinette von Böselager, who was married to Baron Otto Napoleon Loë-d'Imstenraedt. After her death, the castle came into possession of the baron. His family extended the estate by purchasing many neighbouring farms.

In the late 19th Century the castle and the estate acquired its present appearance thanks to Baron François de Loë, who remodelled it in a neo-Gothic style to the plans of Lambert de Fisenne. Throughout most of the 20th century, the castle and its estate were in the hands of the Orange-Nassau mine, and the castle housed some of their staff. In the castle grounds at that time was a large outdoor swimming pool, in which whole generations of the people of Heerlen learned to swim. After the closure of the mine the government suggested that a major theme park should be founded on the estate, an idea squashed by the people of Heerlen after a large-scale and widely supported protest. In the last decades of the twentieth century the castle became very run down until it was bought by the Van der Valk hotel chain, who restored it in 1997-1999. It is a now a hotel and restaurant.

The present building dates largely from the 17th century when the original 15th-century fortified building was converted into a house. It comprises two wings in a T-shaped floor plan surrounded by a moat. The main building is accessible at the front via a marl stone bridge dating from 1843 leading to the main entrance. Between the two wings is a corner tower, which is the oldest part of the castle dating back to the 15th century. Originally round, the tower was converted to an octagonal in the 17th century . The west wing can be dated to 1716, while the south wing has a keystone with the year 1718. The castle garden is a reconstruction based on a French rococo garden laid out by Count Vincent van der Heyden-Belderbusch in 1787 with roses, lavender and boxwood. The garden is a favourite wedding location and admission is free.

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Founded: 15th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Netherlands

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

John O'Brien (3 months ago)
I really enjoyed my stay here. They thoughtfully provided two chairs, a small table and an LED lamp for us to use on the patio. Every night of my stay I spent an hour or two there enjoying the evening. It was a very peaceful on a romantic stay. The only downside is that it's a bit removed from anything else, but that's how it's so peaceful.
Magda Min (3 months ago)
I have been here now for the second time first time it was the prachthofkamer and the second time we have had the kasteelkamer, these experiences i have had so far are beyond anything i can express its so incredibly wonderful, magical. The service is amazing and the food here is delicious both dinner and breakfast. There is alot of sincere nature and a very interesting past connected to this place. I'd recommend it for everyone.
wesley lodewijk (3 months ago)
Been here twice now both in prachthof en kasteel room and it really is 5 stars all around. Is it expensive? Definetly but you do get your moneys worth. The location is so gorgeous that you can spend several days exploring the nature and area and still barely have left the castle grounds. The garden is an amazing place to sit relax, stargaze and chat, the breakfast and dinner are truly delicious and the rooms are beuatifull with a nice few, very clean and all necicties available. I know that I certainly will be back here.
Willi May (4 months ago)
Nice place. Hotel ist a refurbished Castle a bit outside of town in a quiet park. Rooms and Furniture are a bit dated and require some Attention. Therefore, a bit overpriced.
Alain Loots (7 months ago)
Great reception and stay at this peaceful chateau. Large rooms with very comfortable box spring mattress. Very friendly and professional staff. Excellent 3-course menu, wines included. Small improvement point is to be more generous with the wine, we needed to ask a refill ourselves for both white and red wine.
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