It is a part of the municipality of Eemsdelta, and lies about 24 km east of Groningen.

The village was first mentioned in 1306 as Methuisen, and means "middle houses".

[4] The Dutch Reformed church could date from the 13th century, but has extensively modified in 1703.

[5] The village used to be located between three lakes: Meedhuizermeer, Farmsumermeer and the Proostmeer which were poldered between 1870 and 1900.

[5] Between 1869 and 1871, the canal of Duurswold [nl] was dug and there was a slight expansion..[4]