Klarenbeek Doornspijk

Klarenbeek is a country estate in Doornspijk in the Dutch province of Gelderland. The complex is recognized as a national monument.

History[edit | edit source]

The country estate was probably established in the 18th century. The main building and the surrounding park date from the first half of the 19th century. The complex includes the main building, two service buildings, the former coach house, the park-like garden, a bridge, and pillars at the entrance. Although the service buildings are no longer part of Klarenbeek, they are considered a monumental unit along with the other components of the complex.

The house[edit | edit source]

The manor was built in 1842 on behalf of H.F. van Meurs. In 1919, side wings were added to both sides of the building. The design for this extension was by architect Ahazverus Hendrikus Wegerif. He also designed the terrace at the rear and the two service apartments on either side of the main building along the Zuiderzeestraatweg in 1919. Wegerif also designed the interior.

The garden[edit | edit source]

The garden is laid out in the so-called English landscape style. According to the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands, the garden may have been designed by the landscape architect Zocher. In 1919, the park was somewhat modified by landscape architect Dirk Tersteeg. However, he retained as much as possible the original design of the park-like garden.

The outbuildings[edit | edit source]

The coach house located to the right of the main building was built in 1841. Although its original purpose has changed, the entrance doors have been kept intact. In 1919, the complex was expanded with two white-plastered service buildings. Both buildings were originally almost identical but have been somewhat modified through various renovations. A garage and coach house were also built at the left dwelling. The function of the buildings has changed over time. They are no longer used as service housing for the estate.

National monument[edit | edit source]

The entire complex — including the manor, several farms belonging to the estate, the garden, and the burial vault — was recognized as a national monument in 2005. The individual parts are also designated as national monuments. The complex is seen as representative of a country estate with an accompanying park in the English landscape style.

Sources

Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands: The monumental complex of the Klarenbeek estate

Stenvert [et al.] Doornspijk (municipality of Elburg) in: Monuments in the Netherlands - Gelderland, Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands / Waanders Publishers, Zeist/ Zwolle, 2000

Joris Broché