A stins (Dutch, pl. stinsen; from West Frisian stienhûs [Dutch steenhuis] "stone house", shortened to stins, pl. stinzen) is a former stronghold or villa in the province of Friesland, the Netherlands. Many stinsen carry the name "state" (related to English 'estate'). Stinsen used to belong to noblemen or prominent citizens. Most stinsen were demolished in the 19th century, when maintenance became too expensive. Several surviving stinsen are now used as museums. Stinsen also appear in East Frisia, and are known as borg (pl. borgen) in the province of Groningen. See also List of stins in Friesland List of castles in the Netherlands References External links Stinsen in Friesland 1 Buildings and structures in Friesland Castles in the Netherlands Architecture in the Netherlands