The Berkel was once a small river that wound its way through the Achterhoek region. That tranquil picture has now largely disappeared due to canalisation, but around the Staring pavilion in Lochem, the authentic landscape still remains. It is easy to imagine ladies of high standing sipping their cups of tea whilst gazing out onto the agelessly romantic river Berkel.
Staring the poet
The Staring family is well known in the Achterhoek region and far beyond. Best known is the poet Antoni Staring (1767-1840), who lived at Wildenborch in Vorden. He loved the outdoor life, as is evident in many of his poems (free translation):
Ontvlucht nu de steden, Flee the cities,
Wie vreugde begeert! Ye who crave delight!
Ontvlucht ze nog heden – Flee them now –
De Lente regeert! For Spring doth reign!
Constancia Staring
His daughter Constancia (1819-1893) lived in The Hague during the winter, but in the summer she also preferred to return to the Achterhoek region. She had acquired ’t Draafsel, an old manor house, and had the dilapidated main building demolished. In 1850, she used the reclaimed materials to build a tea pavilion on the edge of a beech wood. In line with the romantic fashion of the time, the pavilion was afforded views of the winding river Berkel. On the first floor Miss Staring took tea with her companions in the tearoom. She had a bell to ring to tell her staff in the distant farm that she was in need of refreshments.
Ferry across the Berkel
During the 20th century the pavilion fell into disrepair until all that was left were the ruins. In 2004, The Netherlands Natural Heritage Society (Natuurmonumenten) decided to restore the hexagonal tower to its former glory. Since then, the pavilion has been accessible by a self-operated foot-passenger ferry across the Berkel. In the first-floor tearoom, visitors can take on the role of Miss Staring as they gaze out over the magnificent countryside. The bell still rings, but the tea is no longer served.
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