Haus Stein

Hidden amidst the trees, Haus Stein whispers tales of bygone eras. The first documented whisper dates back to 1360. Haus Stein was mentioned as a fief of Werden Abbey. It was granted to Knight Heinrich von Luttelnau. He was known for his own castle, the Kattenturm, on the Ruhr River. Imagine Haus Stein in the 16th century. It was transformed into a fortified water stronghold. A main house and outer courtyard bustled with activity. They were separated by a moat, and another moat encircled the entire complex. Local lore links the name “An der Porten” to a drawbridge that once spanned the moat. Fast forward to 1674. Franz Maximillian von Holling, captain and bailiff, breathed new life into Haus Stein. He repaired war damage and added a chapel and a combined bakehouse and brewery. The 18th century brought architectural flourishes with new wings added to the main house. Yet, by the 19th century, fortunes changed, and much of Haus Stein was dismantled. What remains are converted outbuildings from the 19th century and the southeastern wing. A portion of the main building’s cellar vault also survives. Around 1900, parts of the southeast wing received a fresh plaster coat. Some sections of the moat were even refilled with water. Look closely, and you can still trace the moat’s path in the landscape. In 1985, medieval wall remnants and the barrel-vaulted cellars were declared protected historical monuments. A major renovation in 1998 unearthed even more history. Remains of the original medieval residential tower were discovered, integrated into the surviving wing. Today, Haus Stein stands as a private residence. It is not open to the public. But as you stand here, you can still feel the echoes of knights, bailiffs, and brewing masters. They all left their mark on this hidden gem of Essen.