Between 1787 and 1792, Friedrich Wilhelm II had a summer palace built for himself in the form of the Marmorpalais on the Heiliger See in Potsdam, and in the following years he included the more distant surroundings in the park landscape.

From the Marble Palace, a line of sight was created to the neighboring Pfaueninsel – which was then still called Kaninchenwerder – which was to be crowned with an eye-catcher at the end.

Friedrich Wilhelm, who maintained a life-long relationship with Wilhelmine von Lichtenau, certainly also had in mind being able to spend time here undisturbed with his confidante and beloved.

Occasionally referred to as the "Prussian pompadour", Wilhelmine was involved in the planning of the castle and she was largely allowed to determine the interior design, furniture and decorations herself.

However, the Countess could not really enjoy the work, as in the year the small castle was completed her patron Friedrich Wilhelm II died and she was sent into exile.