Tucked away in greenery, along meadows or by the water are country estates throughout the Netherlands. Although some are still privately owned by families, many of these locations can be booked for parties, celebrations and business meetings. Worldmeetings has more than 40 castles and estates in its venue database. Thirteen of these venues, one in each province and an additional location, are highlighted in this article. With the last location not a historic estate, but a state-of-the-art venue in the middle of Groningen.
After a round of Googling, it turns out that Limburg has the most estates and castles in the Netherlands. One of the estates bookable through Worldmeetings is the Schinvelderhoeve near Schinveld. The first mentions of this venue date back as far as 1385. Now it is a modern and atmospheric venue with seven different rooms. The farmstead is surrounded by greenery and the rolling Limburg countryside. Ideal for a meeting combined with a walk.
Located just below Breda, easily accessible via the A58, but enclosed in greenery, Ulvenhart estate. In its own words, the estate is not only an "embrace of beauty and tranquillity", but is also a magical place. The estate consists of a mini-village with a former inn, bakery and Flemish Barn. But most special is the beech tree cathedral, planned in the 16th century by the Freemasons and the now centuries-old trees can still be admired. All properties on the estate have been recently renovated with natural materials and modern furniture.
While writing this article, which highlights an estate from each province, one problem emerged. There are no estates and castles at all in the Netherlands' youngest province. Logical too, until 1968 Flevoland did not exist at all. Hence instead of a historic country estate, a modern country house as a meeting tip.
Buitenplaats de Heeserhof is located in Ens, near Emmeloord, in the middle of the vast polder. The Garden Pavilion at the end of the site is completely made of glass all around, so that the polder landscape can be admired. The venue consists of 2500m2 of terrace and garden, 6 work locations. Lunch is freshly prepared using local produce.
Earlier this month, this venue near Rijswijk was highlighted on the Worldmeetings.com website. Rightly so, as the estate has a perfect location towards The Hague, but in the middle of the Rijswijkse Bos. The history of the location dates back to the 13th century. After many changes of occupants, owners and destinations of the property and its surroundings, it is now an event location. Te Werve estate exudes the atmosphere of a colonial mansion, but is furnished in a contemporary style with large chandeliers and warm colours. By combining several rooms, the venue can accommodate events for up to 200 people. It is also ideal for smaller groups.
Just near the border between Overijssel and Drenthe is De Havixhorst. A historic location dating from 1753 where the noble De Vos van Steenwijk family lived from 1758 to 1939 (so for almost 300 years!). Now it is a chic meeting location with eight rooms that can accommodate up to 500 people. Both large gatherings and small-scale dinners can be realised at the venue. All with a noble touch.
Estates and villas can also be found in Zeeland. So is Hotel de Sprenck in Middelburg a national monument, built in 1904. The venue has a small meeting room, suitable for up to 10 people. The hotel has a total of 18 rooms, all different. The hotel opened in August 2018, previously it was an office building. The owners Patricia and Ruben, already run another successful hotel in Zeeland, and moved into the Sprenck's grounds themselves.
At the end of a winding forest path lies country estate Stania State. Hidden in the wooded surroundings, just a few minutes from Leeuwarden and Dokkum. The present building dates back to 1843, and has long been occupied by mayors and barons. The building has also served as a youth hostel and a practical school. Since the middle of last century, conferences and meetings have been held there. Meetings can be held from six to a maximum of 130 people. The grounds around the estate are also suitable for activities such as archery or a picnic.
Near Zwolle, in the middle of the woods is Landgoed het Laer. The current estate was built in 1700, but there was already a castle on the site of the Lear in the 13th century. A truly historic location! Today, Landgoed het Laer offers a wide range of possibilities and spaces for meetings, gatherings and conferences. There are five different rooms, all with a rural and chic style. Depending on the room, there is space for up to 60 people per room. It is also possible to stay overnight on the estate.
A location with an intriguing name! Halsaf refers to the legend of this location. A brave maid deviously defeated seven robbers who wanted to enter the castle. Halsaf estate is actually called huize Babberich, but because of this heroic deed, the estate is called Halsaf. The venue, with its rich history, authentic atmosphere and beautiful, green surroundings is definitely worth a visit. A meeting in one of the two rooms in this rustic setting guarantees a day full of productivity.
And lastly Forum in Groningen. Not a mansion or castle, but a just-opened (November 2019) multifunctional building in the middle of the city. The venue houses the municipality, film theatre, library and cultural activities. The purpose of the Forum is to inspire residents and visitors to Groningen through today's world and tomorrow's possibilities. An ideal meeting location, then. The venue has 3 plenary rooms, 6 break-out rooms and space for up to 40 people.
A state-of-the-art location that doesn't actually fall into the category of "estates in the Netherlands". But still worth mentioning in this list of locations.
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