Stay in Dutch Castles and Eat like a Prince (or a Princess)
It’s likely that my dear reader would not know that there are castles in The Netherlands; well, unless you had read my recent articles (and why wouldn’t you?). And it’s probable that few people know that it’s possible to stay in one of these delightful buildings; and that, furthermore, one can enjoy outstanding food!
Groot Warnsborn
This is a beautiful 750ha estate and the perfect get-away location. The Duke of Gelre was the first owner of the estate, in 1428. It’s only a 4-minute drive from the centre of Arnhem with all its historic and cultural attractions, making Groot Warnsborn an ideal holiday hub. It is found on the edge of the Veluwe, a celebrated rambling wooded area.
There are 40 individually designed rooms and all of them have unique character and charm. In 2012 Hotel Groot Warnsborn was the winner of the National Championship Best Hospitality Formula Hotel. The staff at Groot Warnsborn certainly deserve the accolade: they are welcoming and professional. Food here is first class and even the breakfast is memorable, with bread for which to die. Dinner is taken in a room with a view.
Hotel Groot Warnsborn is a place in which to linger. It’s a retreat and a calming estate which will assure return visits.
Hotel Groot Warnsborn
Bakenbergseweg 277
6816 VP Arnhem
The Netherlands
Phone: +31 (0)26 44 557 51
Visit Groot Warnsborn here
Kasteel Kerckebosch
Ingmar Sloothaak and Hans van Triest are former colleagues, and were looking for their dream location to set up a hotel and restaurant of quality in the Netherlands. Kasteel Kerckebosch in Zeist is the result of that project, and is a credit to both their hard work and imagination.
Ingmar has worked for the Mövenpick Hotel in Amsterdam as well as Vaalsbroek Castle. Hans has worked at various high-end restaurants in the Netherlands as well as Fifteen by Jamie Oliver. He also worked as a chef on the island of Curaçao for several years and won the Caribbean Chef of the Year competition.
The duo acquired Kasteel Kerckebosch in 2015 and that’s when the major renovation began. The castle is 120 years old and has 30 hotel rooms, a Bar and Lounge, a striking and airy restaurant, a Bistoria for casual bites, a terrace and several meeting rooms. It boasts contemporary design but, as estate agents say, many original features such as welcoming fireplaces and original woodwork.
Is this a cosy hotel with an outstanding restaurant or is it a formidable restaurant with comfortable rooms? Either way Kasteel Kerckebosch is well worth a visit. One can enjoy this delightful region and return for inspiring food. Chef Hans van Triest has a family background in Indonesia so perhaps there might be some exotic dishes to enjoy. All plates take advantage of fresh local ingredients and are presented with creative flair.
This year, Restaurant Kerckebosch has again received a positive mention in the Top 500 of the best restaurants in the Netherlands, in the LEKKER 2019.
Kasteel Kerckebosch
Arnhemse Bovenweg 31
Zeist
The Netherlands
Phone: 0031 (0)30 692 6666
Email: info@kasteelkerckebosch.com
Opening times, Restaurant Kerckebosch
Lunch from 12.00 until 14.30 – from Tuesdays through Fridays
Dinner from 18.00 until 21.30 – from Tuesdays through Saturdays
The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays
Visit Kasteel Kerckebosch here
For travel with DFDS:
Travel with car:
Prices for travel with DFDS from Dover to Calais are from £49 each way, or from Dover to Dunkirk are from £45 each way, for a car with a maximum of nine people.
High vehicle:
Prices for travel with a motorhome and up to nine people on DFDS’ Dover to France service start from £57 each way. For customers travelling with a car and caravan, prices start from £80 each way.
Additional information:
All ships in the modern fleet feature a premium lounge, which can be booked for an additional £12 per person each way. The lounge provides a quiet space with free newspapers, fresh fruit, pastries and petits-fours, soft drinks and a glass of Prosecco upon arrival.
Prices vary in line with demand and are subject to change.
Crossings on the Dover-Calais route take 90 minutes each way and Dover-Dunkirk sailings are two hours. Customers are advised to check in at least 45 minutes before their scheduled sailing time, or 60 minutes prior during busy periods.
To learn more about vacations in The Netherlands visit here.