The earliest mention of the De Valkenberg estate dates from circa 1544, when it was sold by Evert van Lintell. At the start of the 19th century the house was acquired by Matthijs Westendorp, who built a country house here for his family. After that, the property had various owners. Since 1966, it has been in operation as a hotel for guests with special healthcare needs.
Country-house culture
In 1834, Amsterdam stockbroker Matthijs Westendorp purchased land in Rheden and built a country house. Westendorp was married to Maria de Clercq, a descendant of a moneyed family from Haarlem and Amsterdam. At that time, the elites of the Dutch cities enjoyed a thriving country-house culture. To take a break from the bustle of city life, they purchased or built country estates and gave the houses evocative names like Buitenzorg (literally Outside of Care) and Vrederust (Peace & Quiet). Unfortunately Maria was not able to enjoy the peace of De Valkenberg for very long she died in 1836. Matthijs Westendorp died at the house 25 years later.
Stately
The stately home De Valkenberg is built on a sloping meadow with views over Rheden and the river IJssel. The house and park are reached via a long drive lined with old chestnut trees. A lodge was built by the drive around 1850 and a stable was added in 1922. After the Westendorp family, De Valkenberg had various different owners. In 1964, Mrs C. van Sminia-van Hoboken donated the property to the Red Cross. A statue of Red Cross founder Henry Dunant (1828 -1910) stands next to the drive. It is reputedly the only full-length statue of Dunant in the world. The statue was donated to the Red Cross by Austria, in gratitude for the help given to Austrian children during and after World War I.
Hotel for guests with special needs
The De Valkenberg estate is now a place where people who have special healthcare needs can enjoy a holiday. In 2013, the Red Cross transferred ownership of the estate to the Valkenberg Foundation (Stichting De Valkenberg), which aims to ensure the continued operation of the hotel, improve the visitor’s experience and increase its significance to society.
