Fraeylemaborg is a borg in the center of the village of Slochteren in the Netherlands. and is the most important of the borgen in the province of Groningen. These fortified borgen or towers were built in the Middle Ages to store crops and protect produce from thieves. Besides churches, these structures were the only buildings that used durable stone and masonry. In due course they grew to become centers of power and wealth.
Currently the Fraeylemaborg is a historic house museum.
Fraeylemaborg History
Fraeylemaborg is situated on an estate of more than 23 hectares. The borg building was built more than seven centuries ago and received its present appearance at the end of the 18th century. The park, partly designed by G.A. Blum and L.P. Roodbaard, was laid out in the English landscape style. Remnants of the formal Baroque layout, such as the distinctive central axis, have been preserved.
Over the centuries, Fraeylemaborg residents expanded and beautified the structure while doing the same with the grounds around the house. Exotic trees were planted and special plants imported, and the construction of the yard and park went through various styles. The estate is now a cultural and historical unit formed over five centuries, unique in the north of the Netherlands.
The last residents, the Thomassen à Thuessink van der Hoop family from Slochteren, sold the borg to the Gerrit van Houten Foundation in 1972. After restoration, the Fraeylemaborg became a museum.
The rooms show the period up to the middle of the 20th century, the last phase of the private residence. The Great Hall is used for concerts and receptions, while the Small Hall is used as a wedding hall.
The main body, which today houses a restaurant, is located in the square. Opposite is the carriage house, where the museum store and exhibition rooms are located. In the orangery you will find the interactive exhibition on the history of Fraeylemaborg. In the park and in the heritage square in the center of the village, there are 10 installations designed by famous artists and architects.