Huck-Beifang-Haus

Stone house (1607) in the historic city centre of Burgsteinfurt, Hahnenstraße 8. Richly ornamented bay window on the upper floor

The so-called Huck-Beifang house was built in 1607 by the count's bailiff, Eberhard Huck, and his wife. Overlooking Hahnenstraße, it was originally nothing more than a house built at the rear of the Beifang house at Bütkamp 3. It hardly seems like a mere 'back garden house' today, although during its long history there were times when it was relegated to the lowly role of stables or coach house. Indeed, for years it was in such a bad condition that it was nearly torn down.

In 1604, Eberhard Huck married into the Beifang family. This family owned Bütkamp 3 and the surrounding property, which stretched to Hahnenstraße. Although he was bailiff in Rheda, he lived in Burgsteinfurt for 10 years, during which time he paid for the house to be built. His pride can still be seen in the inscription on the bay window: "Sunt hae structae aedes Eberhardi sumptibus Huckij. Ex his ad superas sperat abire domos". The inscription translates as: "This building was built from the purse of Eberhard Huck. From here he hopes to ascend into the heavenly kingdom".

Although his wish was not granted - shortly after the building was finished, Eberhard Huck was appointed a judge in Rheda - Burgsteinfurt is in his debt for a small architectural gem: the bay window on the upper floor, ornamented with the family symbols of Huck (hook) and Beifang, and bearing the date 1607. While it is not as large as the bay window in Brabender Castle, it is certainly the latter's equal in terms of design. It is surmounted by a gable with powerful Voluten, ornamented with pointed pyramids or pinnacles. So-called rustic stones were also used, a characteristic of the Renaissance in the Weser region. The front of the window is surrounded by ornamental bands designed to resemble the fittings on furniture or old chests (mounting work). The inscription plaque beneath the windows, the edges of which are 'rolled' (roll work), bears the same decorative features. This type of decoration was invented in Holland during the 16th century.

The gable survived the upheavals of history until 1940, when the entire building was renovated in order to serve as a folk museum. However, the plan came to nothing: instead, the building served as the municipal library until 1978, and is still known colloquially as the 'house of books'.

Today, the house is privately owned by the A. Rolinck private brewery and is used as a cultural centre, especially for exhibitions of contemporary artists.