Kasteel Almere

The plans for building the castle date from 1999. The design is based on the 13th century castle Jemeppe in Hargimont (Belgium). The first pile was driven on September 15, 2000. The costs of the castle were initially estimated at 60 million guilders (more than 27 million euros), later increased to 120 million guilders. The construction project was halted in 2002 due to financial problems. In 2005 the project was bought by the previously established company Gravin BV. In addition to a hotel and a wedding location in the castle, Countess also wanted to build houses on the site. However, to make the latter possible, a change to the zoning plan was necessary. In 2008, the Almere municipal council decided not to agree to a proposal to this effect.