Sleeping in the footsteps of the Frisian nobility: the rich history behind our room names
- Theun Plantinga
- Jun 9
- 3 min read
When you step across the threshold of Herberg Het Rechthuis, you find yourself in the year 1650. Our monumental building breathes the history of Rinsumageast. For decades, it served as the legal and administrative heart of the Dantumadiel district; the place where the Grietman administered justice and passed severe sentences.
The official coat of arms of Rinsumageast depicts four red castles. These symbolize the four noble estates or stinsen that adorned the village in the Middle Ages and early modernity. Although these imposing castles have disappeared from the Frisian landscape over the centuries, the intrigues, battles, and noble splendor live on within our walls.
However, anyone looking at the hotel rooms in the inn will discover stories that go back much further in time. Our rooms proudly bear the names of these vanished monuments. The quarters, with their high ceilings and historical yet simple details, are reminiscent of the time of the Frisian nobility.
Tjaarda
The Tjaarda State (or Tjaerda) was by far the largest and most imposing manor in the village, situated directly east of the Alexander Church. Its history dates back to 1242 with Botte van de Gaast, but it was the powerful bailiff Syds Tjaerda who turned the manor into a political stronghold in the 15th century.
The castle survived fierce conflicts: in 1515 it was conquered by the Gelders, and a year later the Burgundians burned the entire village to the ground, but the Tjaarda State was miraculously spared. It grew into a gigantic complex with two large halls, twenty rooms, deep cellars, and a wide moat. Until its eventual demolition in 1834, it stood as a symbol of absolute Frisian power.
Melkema
Melkema State has a rich noble tradition that is officially documented from 1439, when the estate came into the possession of the Sceltama family. It developed into a magnificent manor house with extensive orchards and avenues. In 1658, the state was extensively rebuilt by Sjoerd van Aylva, the then bailiff of Dantumadeel and councillor at the Court of Friesland.
Van Aylva was a man of considerable standing who waged a fierce legal battle with the city of Dokkum over regional borders. In 1727, the estate was sold for demolition due to lack of funds. Although nothing remains of it above ground, the village's current ring road—the Melkemaweg—still honors this historic ground.
Eysinga
The Eysinga State was built between 1200 and 1400 and housed the absolute top tier of the Frisian nobility. The first resident, courtier Feye Eysinga, set the tone for a true ruling dynasty. The residents were closely intertwined with the other estates; when the neighbor (Melkema State) was demolished, the Eysinga family bought the grounds to expand their own gardens into a fabulous, English-inspired park landscape.
For generations, the family provided influential magistrates to the region. This noble glory came to an abrupt end in 1804 when a devastating fire completely reduced the estate to ashes. The Eysingawei in Rinsumageast serves as a reminder of this tragic history today.
Juwsma
The history: The Juwsma State (also referred to as Jwsma hus or Juussma state in old writings) completes the historical quartet of Rinsumageast. In the 14th century, the Juwsma family shared a common ancestor with the Tjaardas, but the relationship between the branches was often strained. In the 15th century, Renic Juwsma served as grietman of Dantumadeel and hoveler 'up der Gaest'.
The stins is strategically located to the west of the village and was often the scene of bloody feuds between the Schieringers and Vetkopers. The house eventually fell victim to these disputes and was razed to the ground by hostile troops from Leeuwarden and the jealous neighbors of the Tjaarda State.
Experience Frisian history yourself
At Herberg Het Rechthuis, you do not simply book an overnight stay; you take a seat in a living history book. Where Frisian chieftains once vied for power, the nobility dined, and the Grietman passed harsh verdicts, you can now enjoy the hospitality of the Frisian countryside in complete tranquility.
Would you like to experience for yourself what it is like to spend the night at the place where centuries of noble stories converge?
