Kasteel Hackfort

Vorden, Netherlands, Netherlands

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Kasteel Hackfort in Vorden, Netherlands, originated in the 14th century as a fortified house near a ford on the Hackfortse Beek, first recorded in 1324 when purchased by Jacob van der Welle from the Van Bronckhorst family, who adopted the Hackfort name.

Expanded with a moat, front bailey in 1392, towers in the early 16th century, and rebuilt after Spanish destruction in 1586 during the Eighty Years' War by Borchard van Westerholt around 1600, it underwent major remodeling in 1788 that demolished the gatehouse, filled the moat, and created a classical facade.

Owned by the Van Westerholt family until barones Elisabeth died in 1981, it passed to Natuurmonumenten for preservation as one of Gelderland's best-kept fortified manor houses amid woods, meadows, a watermill, and farm buildings.