Tracing its roots back to the 14th century Wasserburg Lede stands proudly in Bonn’s Vilich district. Originally a Romanesque residential tower Wasserburg Lede evolved into a Gothic water castle. Its history is a tapestry woven with threads of war and peace.
The earliest records mention Wasserburg Lede in 1360. Knight Johann Schillinck transformed the Romanesque tower into the Gothic castle we partially see today. Tragedy struck during the Truchsessische War of 1583. Wasserburg Lede was destroyed. The Vilich chapter bought the ruins and estate in 1761.
After the chapter’s dissolution in 1804 ownership changed hands. Wasserburg Lede passed to the Principality of Nassau-Usingen then the Grand Duchy of Berg and finally Prussia. Prussia sold it to Cologne banker Herstatt in 1820. Industrious Otto Weinlig acquired the property in 1904. He undertook a significant renovation transforming Wasserburg Lede into a country estate. He added an English-style park and a formal garden. A coach house and gatehouse followed in 1910.
Further ownership changes occurred. Wasserburg Lede passed through the de Claer family and Otto Weinlig before becoming the property of Countess Berghe von Trips in 1930. During the Second World War Wasserburg Lede served as the command headquarters for the British commander later the British Foreign Secretary Lord Carrington.
The name Wasserburg Lede is relatively recent. It emerged at the beginning of the 20th century during the renovation undertaken by its then owner. The name Lede refers to the soil composition possibly derived from the German word for clay Lehm. Before this Wasserburg Lede was known as Schneckenburg or Schneckenberg Castle.
The last owner Baron von Loeb inherited Wasserburg Lede in 1987. He immediately launched a comprehensive restoration. In 2017 Birgit Kulmer and Sandro Parrotta acquired the property. They established the Parrotta Contemporary Art gallery on the ground floor. The castle park displays sculptures and installations by various artists designers architects and photographers. Today visitors can still enjoy the castle during events organised by the Friends and Supporters of Wasserburg Lede Association. The story of Wasserburg Lede echoes through the centuries a testament to its resilience and enduring charm.