Castle East

Kasteel Oost is a castle-like country house just outside the town of Valkenburg. This national monument is surrounded by a beautiful landscape garden. The first mention of the castle dates back to 1340. At that time, there was a fortified farm on the site of the castle. At the beginning of the 19th century, the castle was uninhabited for several years, leading to its decline. The accompanying chapel was then used for storage of goods from a church in Valkenburg. In 1830, the country house was purchased and rescued from destruction by a nobleman. Between 1839 and 1840, the country house was extensively remodeled in Neoclassical style. It then received the appearance it still has today. The house is built of ocher-colored marl from the well-known caves in the area. After World War II, the castle was confiscated by the Dutch State as enemy property. Eventually, the castle was purchased in 1950 by the municipality of Valkenburg-Houthem. Since 2010, The International Butler Academy has been located in the castle.

Bert Bijker