A new era for Oostwegel Collection
What creates a great collection is its heritage. The carefully curated collection of Oostwegel estates is rich in history, culture, and originality. This naturally requires sympathetic restoration. Oostwegel Collection provides the love and care for their estates in a way only a family business can. And with all plans in place, 2023 is going to be an eventful year!
Article by:
Words - Chrissy Gunn
Images - Guy Houben & Chantal Arnts
Illustration - VOS
Making heritage about the future
Since 2005, Oostwegel Collection has envisioned the expansion of the five-star luxury Kruisherenhotel Maastricht. The time has finally come to bring that vision to life. Château Neercanne is ready to be renovated and uplifted to an even higher level of hospitality, adding seven luxury hotel suites to the existing château. Château St. Gerlach is equally prepared for renovations – taking its heritage into the future. A high priority on the list of high expectations is the creation of a sustainable future for the Oostwegel estates. By adding state-of-the-art heat pump water installations to the restorations, Oostwegel Collection is paving the way to fuel their collection in a truly modern-day fashion.
Society ‘De Stuers’
It was officiated on 14 October 2021- the purchase of Society ‘De Stuers’.
A building so unique, so magnificent, it could only become part of the Oostwegel family. ‘De Stuers’ currently houses the Maastricht Institute of Arts. This cultural historic building is adding an extension, as well as a whole new dimension to the meaning of five-star luxury at Kruisherenhotel Maastricht.
For the realisation of this ambitious project, Oostwegel Collection is collaborating with architect Francine Houben of Mecanoo Architects, restoration architect SatijnPlus and interior designer Bart Vos of VOS Studio.
Francine has a unique relationship with the location of the hotel. She designed the homes around the Herdenkingsplein, in which De Stuers is situated, in the ’90s. As a world-renowned architect with award-winning projects in New York, Kaohsiung, Birmingham, Delft, and Houthem-St. Gerlach, she is the only architect of choice for this astonishing expansion.
Equally important to the architecture are the people that bring the buildings to life. The team is going to develop a unique restaurant concept – to be located in the new addition of Kruisherenhotel Maastricht. A spectacular move for both the city of Maastricht and for the culinary ambitions of Oostwegel Collection. Bringing together local, national, and international guests in an utterly unique and highly prestigious dining experience, in the heart of the city.
The expansion will add not only a restaurant with capacity for one hundred guests – it will also add another fifty high-end hotel rooms to the five-star hotel, alongside a multifunctional room, new fitness facility, seven studios for staff housing and the new head office of Oostwegel Collection. The new workspace creates an even greater opportunity to focus on working together – towards the sustainable future of the family business.
Château Neercanne
With great buildings comes great responsibility. Upkeeping a château or two is not for the faint-hearted. They are the grand dames of our cultural heritage and they demand respect for their history, their bones, and their soul. The picturesque landscape of Limburg is enriched by the grandeur of Château Neercanne, which is set against the backdrop of the hills of St. Pieter – only a stone’s throw away from the vibrant city centre of Maastricht.
The renovation, restoration, and recreation of Château Neercanne is one project that Oostwegel Collection is deeply invested in. The roof of the main building of the château, as well as the two additional buildings – L' Auberge and the former residence - will be replaced in 2023.
As the roof of the successful restaurant l’Auberge is being lifted, it creates the perfect opportunity to expand the first floor of this building with seven hotel rooms. Expanding Château Neercanne with guestrooms has been a long-cherished wish of both Oostwegel Collection and the loyal guests of the château. Thanks to the involvement of award-winning interior designer and long-time partner Roelfien Vos we look forward to a luxurious and exclusive custom design. In order to maintain the high level of quality dining at l’Auberge, the restaurant kitchen will be fully renovated and equipped with the latest professional technology.
Not only the kitchen is replacing the gas stove; Château Neercanne in its entirety will become a beacon for sustainability by renewing its complete cooling and heating system. With vision and innovation as the key to success, switching off the gas tap is the next step into the future for a business that so profoundly cares for its environment.
“Château Neercanne is ready to be renovated and uplifted to an even higher level of hospitality, adding seven luxury hotel suites to the existing château”.
Château St. Gerlach
When Château St. Gerlach opened its grand doors in 1997, a new icon of The Netherlands – and particularly Limburg – established itself. Now, after twenty-five years of attracting and entertaining gastronomic guests from Europe and beyond, the icon is ready for a make-over.
While the charm of this château can certainly make you feel a bit flustered, guests should have the ability to feel comfortable in their hotel room under any circumstances. Currently, not every hotel room is equipped with a professional cooling system. This is something Oostwegel Collection is more than ready to change. To future-proof the hotel, heat pump installations are being added throughout the buildings, reducing the use of gas at Château St. Gerlach by 75%. A great accomplishment in such an extensive estate. Not only an increase in sustainability will elevate the stardom of this icon.
On top of the new heat pump installations, each hotel room will be renovated and restyled with an enchanting new interior and a luxurious bathroom, both designed by Roelfien Vos Interior Design & Architecture. Château St. Gerlach will remain fully operational during the renovations – the doors of the château will stay open to warmly welcome its guests.
Oostwegel Collection aims to bring the first phase of the Château St. Gerlach renovation project to completion by April 2023.
Meaningful luxury
Oostwegel Collection oozes exclusive quality, exceptional service & high-end luxury. However, in modern times, guests are no longer charmed by values alone; a meaningful experience is created by knowledge and intuition. The houses welcome guests to learn about the rich history of their estates. Getting to know the remarkable people in the Oostwegel family. Sharing knowledge of the local produce used in the exquisite cuisine. Highlighting the architects and designers behind the distinguished interiors. Anticipating and exceeding the expectations of guests to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Informing the industry of the inspirational and innovative ways the business is bringing their estates into a new era of elegance and sustainability. That is the true meaning behind Oostwegel Collection’s meaningful luxury.
a quick peek
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