Armenhoef

Barn overhang above the north facade, before renovation

The Armenhoef is a monumental farm on the Oirschotseweg 117 in the North Brabantian town Best in the Netherlands.

The Armenhoef is the oldest, still in use farm of North Western Europe.^[1] By archaeological building research in 2009 the timber frame of the barn was determined to date back to 1263.^[2][3][4] The modern farmhouse itself dates from a much later period and was built in 1640 at the earliest, but probably around 1680.^[5] The farm is a monument and was in urgent need of restoration. The government was prepared to provide a contribution to this restoration. Also, the building has been recognized as a monument.^[6] This deviates from state policy not to designate buildings dating from the period before 1940 as a national monument.^[7][8]

The name of the farm has to do with the former function. Armenhoef means Poor People Farm. The proceeds of this then-largest farm in Best were used for poor aid. The municipality has recognized the building as a municipal monument because of its cultural, historical, architectural and scenic value. Elements such as the age, the integrity of the farm and the function for poor relief played a role. To the state, the age of the farm and the rare building characteristics, such as the barn overhang above the north facade, was decisive for admission to the qualification procedure as a national monument.^[9]

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External links

Media related to De Armenhoef, Best at Wikimedia Commons Coordinates: 51°30′21″N 5°21′27″E / 51.5057°N 5.3576°E / 51.5057; 5.3576