Please contact the estate directly for more information, questions or requests.
Heerlijkheid Mariënwaerdt
Gelderland, Central Netherlands
A fully organic agricultural estate with the Green Key certificate for sustainability, Heerlijkheid Mariënwaerdwelcomes visitors to discover a wide range of activities from its 40 national monuments, fairs,
overnight stays in a farmhouse, have a pancake or full course meal and get married!
History
The history of the Heerlijkheid Mariënwaerdt estate begins in 1129 when a Norbertine abbey was founded on its grounds, often submerged under water. The present mansion of Mariënwaerdt lies on the ruins of the abbey with the old refectory becoming its cellars.
Count A.O.R.F. van Bylandt bought the estate in 1734 and is the ancestor of the current owners, the van Verschuer family.
The borders of the estate have remained much the same since then as the family have held the philosophy to maintain Mariënwaerdt as it was so that, were their ancestors to return to the estate, they would immediately recognize it. Otto baron van Verschuer (1927) and his wife Catharina van Verschuer-Van Sminia (1927) are proud to see their son Frans and daughter-in-law Nathalie maintaining the estate.
The Estate : Fully organic and with 40 National Monuments
The Mariënwaerdt estate has 40 national monuments and fourteen monumental farmhouses with various hay and flood barns. Fully organic since 2005, the arable and livestock farming on the estate does not use unnecessary chemicals or medicines. Flowering field edges attract pests and also stimulate the bee population on the estate.
The 19th century design for the vegetable garden is based on the former abbey gardens and continues the system of crop rotation. Guided tours of both the mansion and gardens are available.
Estate Organic Products and Shop
The estate prepares and sells delicious organic jams with original and full flavours such as roses, elderflower, lavender and vanilla. There are also spicy plum or apples chutneys, sauces, fruit spreads, Lemon or orange curds, flour mixtures, biscuits and honey products – all made from the organic fruit from the farm for products with character.
Activities on the Estate
Hiking, cycling and horse riding – The estate has four hiking routes, varying in length, offering the opportunity for a pleasant stroll, along the monumental buildings and scenic views, and also for a longer trek. The surroundings of the estate offers endless opportunities for bicycle tours or horse riding.
3 Fairs –The Easter Fair with 20 stands featuring pure, trendy and vintage products, various child activities and, of course, the Easter bunny. The Estate fair is organized every year in August. Visitors can enjoy the outdoor life : they can shop, attend spectacular demonstrations with dogs, horses, etc, and eat and drink at various stands. In December, the Heerlijkheid Mariënwaerdt estate organises a traditional Christmas Fair with carols and horse-sleighs.
Workshops and tastings – Cooking workshops and active (outdoor) workshops for groups include painting classes, bird of prey workshops, workshops for honey, flower arranging or candle making and shooting games.
Brasserie and Pancakes!
Brasserie Marie – Brasserie Marie is located in the historical flood barn which used to be a safe place for livestock when the estate flooded. The meals at Brasserie Marie are prepared with pure ingredients sourced from the estate itself and its immediate surroundings, where possible organic. Brasserie Marie has its own vegetable and herb garden. The Brasserie Marie is open for business meetings, lunches, teas and dinners and since 2019 includes the Marie Tasting Room for 2 to 60 people.
Pannenkoekenhuis de Stapelbakker – At the Pancake house guests can treat themselves to classic pancakes or with a surprising twist, made of organic ingredients. On the menu also includes sandwiches, soup, salads and satay. Celebrating a birthday or anniversary? De Stapelbakker can accommodate up to 200 guests The two large terraces have room for 250 guests and there is a large playground and an inflatable amusement for children.
Overnight Stays
Enjoy the estate a little longer in one of our attractive holiday homes or Bed & Breakfast de Neust. These rural overnight stays can vary from one night in our Bed & Breakfast, to more with your family or friends in the Buitenleven holiday home or the Abtsbouwing.
B&B de Neust – for 1 to 6 nights on the edge of the estate set in a monumental farmhouse dating from 1329. Breakfasts comprise of freshly baked bread, vegetable garden jams, fruit curds and the delicious organic Landgoed cheese.
Cottage Buitenleven – dates from 1500 and used to be the home of the estate’s gamekeeper which is why the cottage is situated at the centre of the estate. The cottage has room for eight guests and has white plastered walls, a thatched roof, oak floors, a rustic kitchen and a retro decoration theme. The cottage is for rent per week, weekend or midweek.
Cottage Abtsbouwing – In a monumental farmhouse (14th century) in the oldest part of the estate lies cottage Abtsbouwing (translated: building of the abbé). This large cottage hosts eight people, has four bedrooms, two bathrooms (one of which with double walk in shower), a cosy living room with a wood stove and a modern kitchen. The farmhouse has a big garden, close to the woods. The cottage is for rent per week, midweek or weekend.
Weddings!
Say yes to each other at the most romantic location in the Betuwe: wedding location estate Heerlijkheid Mariënwaerdt. Choose between a beautiful French-style wedding among the orchards or a classic wedding in our unique Coach House. There are several halls for a party or reception to choose from.
Meetings Venue - Event Location
In the charming, historical heart of Mariënwaerdt you can get together in beautiful locations for a well-organised meeting, company party, conference, seminar, team building or other business activity. Make the most of your meeting in the inspiring environment of the estate.Mariënwaerdt offers various package deals for meetings. The catering is provided by their own chef who works as much as possible with organic (estate) products. Thie is also a prefect location for sustainable rural events for up to 10,000 people.
A beautiful centuries old family estate in the heart of the Netherlands that has adapted to accommodate sustainable tourism.
