Het Roode Koper Estate (a Relais & Chateaux)
You will find non-Dutch luxury at Het Roode Koper estate, Right in the middle of the Veluwe. A nature reserve that is impressive in itself, but gains just that extra bit of cachet thanks to a stay here. You could compare Het Roode Koper to something in fashion. quiet luxury It is described as: opulent luxury, service at the highest level, and quality that feels natural, without frills or visible effort. Of course, that effort is there, supported by the skilled staff, but as a guest, you notice none of it. That understated elegance is reflected in the details: everything is just right, without anything demanding attention. Luxury that does not speak for itself, but is meant to be experienced.
Let's start at the beginning: the driveway alone feels like a fairytale. A long lane through the greenery, where the canopy closes over your car and the outside world slowly fades away. At the end, an imposing country house in white and woodwork appears, surrounded by a vast English garden laid out with precision. Everything exudes peace and space, like a soft blanket that settles over you as soon as you arrive. It doesn't stop at the country house. Scattered across the estate are spacious rooms with saunas and villas for the whole family in the outbuildings, which are actually better described as country retreats than hotel rooms.
For those who prefer an active stay, a forest path at the entrance leads to the tennis court, hidden in the greenery. Or walk towards the beautifully landscaped swimming pool, surrounded by white parasols. On the edge of the grounds are the riding school with seven stalls for guest horses, and a vegetable garden where chickens have found their own domain, in a chicken coop reminiscent of a Swedish country house. The whole feels timeless, almost untouched, as if it has always been this way. And that is indeed true: the estate has been in the hands of the same family for generations.
This picturesque setting, for which superlatives almost fall short, is only truly complete by the atmosphere created by the staff. So: on to the reception. In the country house, you are received with the utmost courtesy. The welcome is most cordial – a understatement – and nothing is too much for the staff here, who have only one goal: to completely pamper you over the coming days. There must be something in the water at Het Roode Koper. After all, where do you still find such warm, sincere, and attentive service at this level these days?
That is not only due to the staff, but certainly also to the owners. Anyone who takes the time for a chat here will hear stories from chefs who have returned, or employees who have risen through the ranks and therefore know the establishment inside out. Everything is right, precisely because it is underpinned by experience, loyalty, and visibly sound management.
And that is precisely what makes luxury truly luxurious. That Dutch warmth without losing the proper and correct etiquette. Call us old-fashioned, but man oh man, this is a real treat. And perhaps that is the most beautiful thing of all: this is timeless, and for all ages.
A nice mnemonic: make no mistake, Landgoed Het Roode Koper really is for all ages. Bringing the kids along? Great. Playing outside, running, swimming: as long as it stays within the literal and figurative flowerbeds, almost anything is possible here. That freedom extends to the dining experience as well, from à la carte dinners to simple pasta. And while parents take a moment for themselves, children can let loose in the kitchen baking pizzas, complete with chef's hat and all (sweet!).
So for all ages, and certainly for the four-legged friends too. Dogs are welcomed here with a soft cushion ready for them, dog treats, and a small gift. A welcome that feels just as natural as it is thoughtful, as if they are full-fledged guests here as well.
Just a quick word on those 'treats': for that, too, you can head straight to Het Roode Koper. As befits a Relais & Châteaux destination, the food here is downright delicious – from breakfast through lunch and snacks to dinner. The kitchen uses ingredients from the region and their own gardens and, naturally, follows the seasons. The result is a menu that is refined and layered, featuring dishes such as pan-fried sea bass with tomato compote, smoked strawberry that elevates the whole experience, almond cream, and a frothy beurre blanc with green tomato.
In addition, you choose from a particularly extensive wine list: from classic to distinctive, from renowned houses to small winemakers. All curated with expertise, exactly as you would expect here. And not to go unmentioned: an excellent house Chardonnay.
After dinner, you retreat to one of the beautiful bedrooms on the estate. No two rooms are alike, and all are furnished with care, love, and attention. The result is a harmonious ensemble of timeless prints and understated, characterful colors. Everything exudes the classic, almost unsurpassed chic of the British countryside.
The interior design is in the hands of owner Yolanda, who the entire look & feel guarded by the estate. Together with her interior designer, she travels far and wide in search of the most beautiful fabrics, colors, and combinations, always taking the classic character as a starting point, but translated into a contemporary interpretation.
Nothing here is thoughtlessly replaced or discarded as soon as it loses its luster. Chairs that have seen better days are reupholstered with carefully selected fabrics from Paris, giving existing elements a new lease on life. This creates an interior where history and renewal flow into one another – an atmosphere reflected not only in the rooms but also in and around the rest of the estate, where everything comes together in a warm, timeless elegance.
And perhaps that is the essence of Het Roode Koper: a place that was not created, but grew, and where the love of the Roode Koper team translates into exceptional service.
It is almost unthinkable that you would want to set foot off the estate. After this hymn of praise, that hardly needs further explanation. But should you wish to do so, the forest walk with nature guide Gerrit is highly recommended. Gerrit knows the forest like the back of his hand and effortlessly conveys his love for nature. A quick message to the reception is all it takes, and everything is arranged, often even before you have properly decided. Or hop into the covered wagon, or choose another tailor-made outing; that, too, is organized here with the same ease.
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