Building and residents

The house

Menkemaborg at Uithuizen is an originally 14th-century, brick-built house, which was dramatically altered around 1700 but has since been barely changed. The Alberda family, the 18th-century occupants, commissioned artists to decorate the interior with impressive chimney-pieces carved with baroque ornaments, and painted with mythological scenes.
A most unusual state bed, draped with yellow silk damask from China, has also been preserved.

The rooms, which comprise reception rooms, the gentlemen’s room, a study, dining room, bedroom, kitchen and cellars, are fully furnished with fine furniture, silverware, china, brassware and portrait paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries.

The ‘schathuis’

The ‘schathuis’ or estate's farmhouse, which in the old days also accommodated the coaches, the stables, a butchery, a brewery and the living quarters for the manservants, has been converted to a restaurant.
Sitting out on the terrace, guests can enjoy a fine view of the house.