Picture this a majestic manor house stands before you. This is Haus Wenge in Dortmund-Lanstrop. It’s more than just a building. It’s a whisper of history a testament to centuries past.
Haus Wenge a former noble residence holds a captivating story. Its origins trace back to 1239. A knight Henricus de Wenge is mentioned in records. Goswin and Johann von der Wenge built the original moated castle in the 13th century. Parts of the original foundation and walls remain. This manor was the ancestral home of the von der Wenge family. A branch of this family even emigrated to the Baltic countries in the early 15th century. They later became Russian counts in 1817.
The von der Wenge family didn’t own Haus Wenge forever. In 1648 the estate passed to the von Neuhoff family then to the von Beverförde zu Werries family. It returned to the von der Wenge family in 1800. Clemens August von der Wenge owned it then. After his son Friedrich Florens Raban died in 1850 the estate including Beck Castle went to his sister’s descendants. They were the Wolff-Metternich zur Gracht family.
Haus Wenge is unique. It’s the only remaining manor house from the 16th century in the Dortmund area. It displays Gothic elements. It’s a listed building a protected monument. The two-story manor house features a stepped gable. It’s built of brick with stone cross-shaped windows. The Gothic style survived even after Spanish troops destroyed the house in 1598. The interior however was redecorated in the Baroque style. Some changes were made to the portal and chimneys in the early 19th century.
The roof is a marvel of engineering. It’s a 25-meter-long and 14.5-meter-wide cantilevered rafter roof. It’s unique in North Rhine-Westphalia. It’s held together by wooden pegs alone without supports or purlins.
The city of Dortmund owns the property since 1952. Restoration work took place between 1962 and the present day with some interruptions. The renovation was planned to finish in 2021. The property is leased out by an Erbbaurecht a long-term lease. A usage agreement was concluded with the Haus Wenge Lanstrop e V association on April 1 2023. It opened to the public on May 6 2023. The association uses it for events like exhibitions concerts and weddings.
Haus Wenge isn’t just a relic of the past. It’s a vibrant community center. It’s a place where history lives on. It welcomes visitors to witness the beauty and intrigue of this fascinating piece of Dortmund’s heritage. Step inside and experience its rich story firsthand.