Schonauwen Castle

Schonauwen Castle, locally known as Kasteel Schonauwen, lies in the village of the same name, in the province of Utrecht in the Netherlands.

The name Schonauwen was first mentioned in 1261. Then it was not yet a castle but more like a monastic grange owned by the Premonstratensian abbey of Mariënwaard in Beesd. They gave its fief to the Lord of Culemborg; Hubert van Beusichem. His family probably turned the grange into a real castle at the beginning of the 14th century and then started to call themselves Van Schonauwen. During the next centuries, until the present day, Schonauwen Castle was sold and inherited many times.

In 1536 the castle was granted the title 'Ridderhofstad' (knightly manor). In the 2nd half of the 17th century it was extensively rebuilt into a more comfortable residence. After 1758 the castle was in a dilapidated state and had to be restored again.

In 1812 Schonauwen Castle was bought by Hendrik Ravée. He had the entire castle demolished, with exception of the present round tower.

Until 2000 the castle was situated in an open polder landscape. Then a large new residential district was built, completely surrounding it.

At present Schonauwen Castle is a private residence and can not be visited. A very nice castle remnant. Must be a great place to live in.

Gallery