Gunterstein

Gunterstein

Gunterstein was owned by Johan van Oldenbarnevelt from 1611 to 1619. This was the second castle at that location, which was destroyed in 1672 and replaced by the current castle in 1680. Van Oldenbarnevelt was the most powerful man in Holland as the Grand Pensionary and played a significant role in the establishment of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in 1602. This trading company had a monopoly on trade with East Asia. It was such a success that Van Oldenbarnevelt wanted to establish a similar company for the western part of the world, North and South America, and West Africa. Due to circumstances during the Eighty Years' War, the establishment of the WIC only occurred in 1621. Two years earlier, Van Oldenbarnevelt was murdered, so he did not witness that moment. There are people who believe that the names of the Dutch settlements on Long Island are related to restoring his name, namely the places Amersfoort, Utrecht, and Breuckelen, his birth and residence locations.

The Amsterdam merchant widow Magdalena Poulle, who built the current house in 1680, stipulated in her will that the house should always be inherited. This has been the case for over 340 years. The current resident, Bertien Quarles van Ufford, is a niece of Herman Quarles van Ufford, who started as consul general in New York in 2020. This keeps a very diverse connection between Breukelen and America alive!

Route: For a break on a cozy terrace, cross the bridge to the Kerkbrink. Those who continue the route cycle along the Zandpad to Nieuwersluis. After 2 kilometers, the newly built estate Hunthum is on the right.

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