It had been in their possession since 1569, when Emperor Maximilian II bought a vast estate in Khattermühle, encompassing a hill and the Vienna River valley, and turned it into hunting grounds. A hunting mansion was built in the center of the estate, and wild boar and deer were hunted in the surrounding forests.
Fish ponds and a pheasantry were also established there, and exotic fowl were raised, including turkeys and peacocks.
