Photos courtesy of Kasteel de Wittenburg
The name Wittenburg comes from one Suzanna de Wildt, the wife of a stone mason who owned the original estate in the 19th century.
In 1899, the property ended up in the hands of equerry Helenus Marinus Speelman. As was the fashion in the day, he tore down the old mansion with the aim of building a castle with a touch of stately home. He traveled to the châteaux of the Loire Valley to find inspiration. For several years, construction began and stopped, modifications were made. Speelman was seldom satisfied.
In 1909, Speelman committed suicide, but his wife continued living there until 1934. During World War II, German officers moved in, followed by the Canadians for a short time after liberation.
By 1955, the council of Wassenaar bought the castle and park, selling the castle several years later to the association “International Reception Centre” for business meetings. The association boasts over 1,000 members.
The property opened eight hotel rooms in 2009.
Pamela’s Perspective
Be warned that evening dinners are very pricey. If you want to eat casually, go into Wassenaar. Also, if you plan on staying out late, be sure to ask at what time the front door will be locked.
Kasteel de Wittenburg
A 19th-century baronial castle
Contact
Landgoed De Wittenburg 1
2244 BV Wassenaar
Tel: ++31 (0)70 515 15 00
Fax: ++31 (0)70 515 15 55
Hotel website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
8 rooms and 2 suites
Double rooms: from 140 euros
Suites: 225 euros
Open: all year; restaurant closed on weekends
Getting there
Wassenaar is only 5 km northeast from The Hague. It’s off the N44. Public transportation is tricky.
What to do
On site: golf
Nearby: swimming; horseback riding; bicycling; tennis
Weddings
Yes. Civil registry on site.
Just a few minutes by car from The Hague, this early 20th-century baronial castle offers just eight guest rooms. The focus here is on meetings, but often times you’ll nearly have the run of the place.
The guest rooms are quite luxurious and spacious, with wainscoting, oak parquet floors, painted ceilings, and occasional antique pieces. The beds are divine. Fully modernized bathrooms feature heated floors and separate bath and shower. Unusual for castle hotels, guest rooms have air conditioning.
Breakfast is served either in a first-floor room or outside if the weather permits. Dining is a classical affair with fine wine and cuisine. Service is excellent.
The atmosphere here is quiet and romantic. The gardens and surrounding woods make for a pleasant place for a stroll.
If you have a car, the hotel makes a good base to explore nearby Leiden, Kinderdijk, and the bulb fields. Parking is free.
Something special
Concert suppers