Hidden amidst the woods, a medieval forge once thrived. This is the origin story of Haus Goldschmieding. The name itself whispers tales of its past. “Gholt” meaning “wood” or “in the forest” and “Smedinc” meaning “forge”. Haus Goldschmieding, first mentioned in 1275, stands as a testament to centuries of history. It began as a moated castle in the 13th century. Later, it transformed into a magnificent Renaissance manor in the 16th century. The rounded tower at its eastern corner stands as a silent witness to this era.
Haus Goldschmieding has seen a procession of owners. For over 250 years, the Barons of Schell called this place home. Later, it was sold to Friedrich Klönne, a local landowner. Haus Goldschmieding also served as a summer retreat for William Thomas Mulvany. He was the Irish founder of the significant Erin colliery in Castrop. Between 1894 and 1895, the Mulvanys remodeled the entrance. They sought to reflect the status of the industrial elite. The portal is considered an architectural masterpiece. It boasts an elegant staircase, a stone door frame, and a heavy oak door.
Look closely at the door frame. You’ll see inscriptions marking the building phases, including its predecessor. Shamrock leaves twine around the doorpost, a symbol of the family’s Irish heritage. Above, an arm brandishing a sword points towards Castrop’s coat of arms. On the right wing of the door, the Westphalian coat of arms is displayed: a leaping horse. On the left, you’ll find the Irish harp.
Inside Haus Goldschmieding, a Renaissance fireplace dominates the banquet hall. Made of Baumberger sandstone, it spans 3.50 by 4.15 meters. Its depth is over 80 cm. Supporting lion heads and a crowning gable add to its grandeur. Figures of the apostles Peter and Paul support the columns of the substructure. The lion heads echo the style of medieval church portals. Eight images on the fireplace depict ancient gods and heroes. They illustrate the interconnectedness of human actions and natural processes. A cycle of excess, pride, envy, war, scarcity, humility, peace, and then back to excess tells a cautionary tale.
Though the medieval moat has dwindled to a duck pond, Haus Goldschmieding endures. Today, it welcomes visitors as a restaurant and hotel. The surrounding grounds, once a vibrant English landscape garden, now showcase contemporary sculptures. From a steel cube to a man carrying a car, these artworks explore the interplay of nature and technology. Haus Goldschmieding’s journey from medieval forge to Renaissance manor to modern-day hospitality venue offers a rich tapestry of history and transformation.