The Netherlands, EnschedeMarch 3, 2020, by Maartje

Surprising retreat in the east of the Netherlands: Wilmersberg Estate in De Lutte

Remote Places, Conscious, Weekend tip
The Netherlands, Enschede, March 3, 2020, by Maartje

Surprising retreat in the east of the Netherlands: Wilmersberg Estate in De Lutte

Under the smoke of cozy Enschede (Enschede cozy? Yes, really) we found one of our new favorite retreats in our own country: hotel Wilmersberg estate in De Lutte, hidden in the beautiful green heart of Twente in the east of the Netherlands. We can tell you all kinds of things about that (you can read about what we are going to do below), but what we would especially like to say is that in Landgoed Wilmersberg FIN-DE-lijk we found a hotel where you can enjoy both kids and four-legged friends and critical ( vegetarian) friends (because it is beautiful and tasty and there is a great spa) and your parents (because of the no-fuss atmosphere) you can easily bring along. Hehe. Kudos!

Wilmersberg estate

Wilmersberg estate

That says the most important thing, although we haven't even mentioned the beautiful surroundings, the friendly staff, the wine tastings and the fabulous terrace. Because that's all there, there at the wonderful Wilmersberg Estate in De Lutte.

The estate is not new news, but it deserves a big mention on this site since we only just discovered it. That was for years our loss, as it now appears.

That starts immediately with the nice welcome: no long-winded check-in procedures, but with a glass of bubbles you will feel comfortable in the lobby Slash restaurant space. A good introduction because this room, shrouded in an ocher yellow (favorite color) glow with a crackling fireplace, is a beautiful thing. This was once the living room of the Bledenstein family, the former residents of the estate. Take a seat because in principle you don't have to leave here for a while: across the street from the spacious lobby, a genuinely fun kids' corner has been created, cleverly hidden and yet unmissable. With a mountain of toys that you will love, something for every age. Kitchen? But of course. Reading books? Sure. A gigantic wooden train set? But sure. The kids' corner can be closed off - nice and safely - and there is even a large table for mom and dad. Immediately take a look at the children's menu (which is also a coloring page, which is also very clever). The menu is really good and extensive. We have rarely eaten better (kids) pasta. Not that tacky, finally. Well, then you already know: they are under the tiles. Thank you very much.

After the First World War, the Twente textile family Bledenstein built their country residence on De Wilmersberg. The family was known for building their houses only in the most beautiful locations. The Wilmersberg estate is the place where the Bledenstein's received many guests, with hot chocolate and a pancake. The current owners lovingly continue that tradition in the historic villa. Whether you are a culture lover, bon vivant or prefer to enjoy nature, here you can be fully active or relax in peace. Moreover, the hotel, with Green Key Gold, is one of the most sustainable hotels in the Netherlands.

Which, by the way – an important one side note – doesn't mean that Wilmersberg estate is a kids hotel par excellence, not at all. And that is exactly what is so great, and exactly what we want: everything for everyone on fleek.

That brings us to the small 'side wing' of the (beautiful!) building that is the estate. There was a small cozy bar from which you look out over the terrace at the front. Good news, both that terrace and the bar. The latter makes for damn pleasant wines. The people of Wilmersberg also understand this: every weekend day at 19 p.m. sharp, a wine tasting is held and everyone is welcome to participate. How cozy is that! The sommelier also knows his tricks: he knows exactly what we are in the mood for. 10 points. Those 10 points will be discussed a few more times later in the evening Offspring lying on the bed and the baby monitor is doing what it does best.

If you are going to stay overnight (and you really should), make sure you also make a restaurant reservation. Or if you are not going to stay overnight but are in the area - the estate's restaurant is a good idea anyway. To start with, that's the concept: we cook here with seasonal vegetables. Meat and fish are secondary. You hear that often, but mainly in the Randstad; Find the really good places in the province that pamper vegetarians. They are there, but they are sparsely scattered. The Wilmersbergjes do that well. You choose a three, four or five course menu and let the sommelier, who you remember from the wine tasting, serve you a perfectly matching glass of wine. Recommended for a wonderful relaxing evening out.

But don't forget the simpler menu served in the lobby: the dishes that you 'just' always fancy. Pasta, salad, croquette sandwich and a burger. Although we actually think so Sneup & Snaaij dinner the most fun of all; the Twente variant on Spanish Tapas. Ha! We didn't taste it this time, but we will come back for that. We are quite pleased with the arrangements that Landgoed de Wilmergsberg offers. We can discuss this in detail here, but you can do better there their own website just for a look; Everything is explained there clearly (and greedily). What we did taste was the extensive and delicious breakfast. With – of course – Twente krentenwegge (delicious). And there is even someone who will cook your eggs on the spot, on a mobile stove as you please makes.

But let's go back to those packages for a moment: the spa package is also a winner. Yours truly dived into the spa for a remarkably good massage and team Bart, in the form of husband and son, were difficult to knock out of the large swimming pool.

The swimming pool also opens at 7 o'clock in the morning and you can use it until midnight. There are several saunas and if you want a facial or massage, you can make an appointment at the reception. Afterwards, it is even better to dive into the beautiful greenery that surrounds the hotel. Beautiful at any time of the year, but - as we were told - it is most beautiful sometime in May when the avenue behind the estate is in full bloom. Just saying.

Finally, and not unimportant: there are different room types. Most of them have recently been given a major makeover and are now covered in those fine gray tones. There are nice chairs and if you book one of the garden rooms, you only have to open the doors or you will be in the middle of the Twente greenery. We're done. See you soon, Landgoed de Wilmersberg. We'll be back.

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