Schlosshotel Kronberg
Schlosshotel Kronberg (the former castle Friedrichshof ) is a luxury hotel in Kronberg im Taunus.
Castle Friedrichshof
Friedrichshof Castle was built from 1889 to 1893 /94 widow based in Kronberg im Taunus for the former German Empress Victoria ( Empress Frederick ) in neo-Gothic Tudor style, it in honor of her late husband, Frederick III. " Friedrichshof " called.
The Empress acquired on 28 September 1888, approximately 100 acres of grounds, including the only 12 years previously finished "Villa Schönbusch " from the heirs of 1887 deceased Frankfurt banker, tea merchant and honorary citizen of the city of Kronberg Jacques Reiss and extended it through several acquisitions. The planning took over the later " Privy Oberhof Baurat " and architect Ernst von Ihne, the " elements of German and Italian Renaissance with those of the English Tudor Gothic as well as with the Hessian- Franconian half-timbered " joined in the 1889-1893 erected by widow seat. Despite the mix of styles and materials used, the construction gives the impression of a great English country estate. Typical of this style are, inter alia, the large representation and social rooms and the strict separation of domination and economic wings. Within the park area are also the "cottage" ( house of the Lord Chamberlain ) and the spacious stables. Other economic buildings ( nursery, dairy, administration) are outside the park ( in present-day district of Schoenberg ).
The Empress was instrumental in shaping the monument to her late husband in the neighboring city park. She could see the inauguration of the monument in 1902, attended by Emperor Wilhelm II took part, not live, she died in 1901 from cancer. The castle with the entire inventory, the various art collections and their written heritage left by the Empress of her youngest daughter, the Countess Margaret of Hesse with the condition that lock Friedrichshof and the parks to be left alone. 1928 Castle Friedrichshof entered the Kurhessische House Foundation in order to escape nationalization princely property.
After the occupation of Kronberg on 29 March 1945, the castle was seized by the U.S. Army and first as a cantonment and later as an officer's club and at times as the residence of the American supreme commander in Europe, General Dwight D. Eisenhower used. The Hessian crown jewels worth several million dollars were stolen in November 1945 by the American Colonel Jack W. Durant, broken down into component parts and then sold in Switzerland. After long and difficult negotiations ( during which a U.S. court the action of the Prince of Hesse did not allow for restitution of the jewels because he was an "enemy alien" not competent to stand trial in the U.S.) was the house of Hesse, the remaining jewels, of which a part is missing today. Durant was sentenced to 15 years in prison. During the American occupation of the castle Hans Günter Winkler worked as a stable boy and as a riding instructor.
1953 Castle Friedrichshof came again into the possession of the Hessian House Foundation.
Schlosshotel Kronberg
After the necessary modifications and by the American occupation had become necessary renovations in 1954 Friedrichshof castle was opened as " Schlosshotel Kronberg ". It is operated by the House of Hesse and is now one of the " Small Luxury Hotels of the World". and is categorized as a 5 - star hotel. In the rooms of the hotel are still large parts of the original furniture and works of art from the collection of Empress Frederick. Their extensive library has been largely preserved.
On March 8, 1967, the upper floor and the roof were destroyed by fire and rebuilt after extensive changes ( adaptation of the rooms at the hotel operation ) new.
In parts of the castle park and adjacent properties beyond the grove street, the 18- hole golf course is the " Golf and Country Club Kronberg eV ". Here and were and are away from the hustle and bustle capital ( whether Bonn or Berlin) also significant summit held at the hotel.