Maygadessen Manor (Godelheim)

Today's manor house Maygadessen was built in 1851 by Friedrich von Bömelburg. Since 1914, the castle and the knight's estate have belonged to the Barons von Wolff-Metternich.

The first documented mention of a fortified building on the site of today's manor house dates back to 1342. At that time, the knight Heinrich von Maygadessen owned a "stone house" here. Over the centuries, the property changed hands many times, often through marriage or inheritance.

In the 16th century, the noble family von der Lippe acquired the estate and built a Renaissance castle, which was largely destroyed during the Thirty Years' War.

After the war, a simpler manor house was built on the foundations, which served as the residence for various noble families until the 19th century.

Construction by Friedrich von Bömelburg

Friedrich von Bömelburg, a wealthy industrialist, acquired the estate in 1848. He had the old manor house demolished and commissioned the renowned architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel to design a new, representative building. Schinkel's design, however, was only partially realized due to his death. The actual construction was carried out by his student, Ludwig Persius, who completed the building in 1851 in a neo-Gothic style.

The new manor house was characterized by its impressive facade, numerous turrets, and battlements, which gave it a castle-like appearance. Inside, there were spacious reception rooms, a library, and private chambers for the family.

The Wolff-Metternich Era

In 1914, the manor house and the surrounding estate were acquired by the Freiherren von Wolff-Metternich. They undertook extensive renovations and modernizations, adapting the interior to the tastes of the time. During World War II, the manor house was used as a military hospital, but it survived the war largely undamaged.

After the war, the family returned and continued to live in the manor house. Today, it is still privately owned by the Wolff-Metternich family and is occasionally used for cultural events and guided tours.

The manor house Maygadessen is a prime example of neo-Gothic architecture in Germany. Its striking features include:

• The red brick facade with sandstone elements
• The numerous turrets, bay windows, and gables
• The impressive main portal with a coat of arms
• The spacious park with old trees and a pond

Inside, some of the original furnishings from the 19th century have been preserved, including ornate stucco ceilings, wooden paneling, and historical fireplaces. The library, in particular, is noteworthy with its extensive collection of old books.

Today, the manor house Maygadessen is primarily a private residence. However, parts of the building and the park are regularly opened to the public. There are guided tours that provide insights into the history and architecture of the house. In addition, the manor house is occasionally used as a venue for concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural events.

The park is also a popular destination for walks and offers a picturesque backdrop for photographers.