Castle Rusthoven in Eemsdelta

You're standing at Rusthoven, a borg, or manor house, on the Damsterdiep canal between Groningen and Appingedam. Right next door is the Ekenstein estate, and the two belong together. Johan Eeck, mayor of Groningen, built Ekenstein in 1648. Rusthoven followed in 1686, probably built by his son, also called Johan, who also became mayor. Look for the date stone in the east wall. And check out the two gate pillars at the entrance. They came from a country house in the village of Eexta that was pulled down in 1955. On the back of the gate you can still read its name: Vredenhoven.