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Founded: 1760-1770Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in Estonia
Historical period: Part of the Russian Empire (Estonia)
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The earliest records of Kõljala manor date to 1509. Traces of the oldest construction have been preserved in the cellars, and these date to the 17th century.
In those days the manor belonged to Otto von Poll, a leader of the Saaremaa German nobility. His lifestyle was somewhat different from the rest, and this was reflected in the furnishings of the manor house. Although the house itself was of one-story limestone construction, it is known that the rooms were lit by ten brass chandeliers, the curtains at the windows had golden fringes, and there were twelve large Flemish carpets hung on the walls.
In 1677 the new owner, J. von Osten-Sacken, had two large brass cannons placed in front of the manor. These he had received as a gift from the Swedish king, Karl XI. The cannon were still there at the beginning of the 20th century.
The next extensive reconstruction and building period took place during 1760-1770. Maps and charts dating from 1784 picture the manor very similar to what it looks like today, a single-story building with a hipped roof and three chimneys. In the middle of the 19th century, the new owner F. W. von Buxhoevden added further "improvements" to the building in the form of then-popular classisistic details, such as the portico with four Ionian pillars.
The classisistic style continued in the landscape design that surrounded the manor house. Full-grown, mature trees formed the backdrop for the house, and on the south side among the trees there were placed three arched gate buildings. Unfortunately, only one has survived.
Today Kõljala manor stands in private ownership.
Reference: Saaremaa.ee
Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.
The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.