What secrets lie beneath the tranquil surface of the Haus zum Haus moat? Right here, in the heart of Ratingen, stands this magnificent water castle. Its history, dating back to the 13th century, is as captivating as its reflection shimmering on the water. The Haus zum Haus we see today, a testament to medieval architecture, replaced an earlier fortification destroyed by fire in the 12th century. Imagine the noble family von Haus, for whom this castle was their ancestral seat, traversing these very grounds.
By 1474, Johann zum Haus, then marshal of the Duchy of Berg, expanded the castle, solidifying its presence in the region. Did you know that until the 19th century, this estate held the “Stroetrecht”? This rare privilege granted its owners, along with only a select few others, the right to keep wild horses in the vast forests spanning Duisburg and Düsseldorf. Time took its toll on Haus zum Haus, and by the 20th century, it stood dilapidated. However, fate had other plans. In 1972, a remarkable act of generosity breathed new life into the castle. Count von Spee, the then-owner, gifted the entire estate to the town of Ratingen. That act of preservation allowed architect Bruno Lambart to meticulously restore Haus zum Haus to its former glory, blending modern extensions seamlessly within its historical framework. His work, recognized by various architectural awards, ensures that future generations can experience the magic of the Haus zum Haus.
Today, the castle grounds buzz with a unique blend of old and new. Within the outer bailey, what once echoed with the clatter of hooves in the former stables now resonates with the vibrant energy of a cultural center. Stroll through the courtyard, and you can almost hear the whispers of history beneath the watchful gaze of the three round towers of the main castle. Haus zum Haus doesn’t just stand as a monument to the past. It thrives as a vibrant tapestry woven from threads of history, culture, and modernity, a testament to time’s passage and the enduring spirit of this magnificent place.