Zwaanwijck Castle | Exclusive living on a historic estate along the River Vecht
There are places that cannot truly be described in words – they have to be experienced. Huize Zwaanwijck is one of those places. An imposing country house dating from 1900, situated directly on the River Vecht and surrounded by more than seven hectares of classical parkland, designed in the English landscape style. In addition to the main residence, the estate comprises a coach house, gardener’s cottage, sheepfold and pavilion. Here, you are not simply purchasing a generous 198 m² apartment. You are acquiring a share in one of the most beautiful historic estates in the Netherlands.
A Word from the Owners:
“Due to an unexpected change in our lives, we have made the difficult decision to leave our home at Zwaanwijck behind. The estate itself seems to have a magnetic pull on people who choose to live life a little differently. In our eyes, the eclectic mix of colourful, artistic and free-spirited residents adds something truly special to the character of the estate."
The apartment, the Christmas dinners, and the many gatherings and celebrations both inside and throughout the grounds have given us countless unforgettable memories. Above all, we will deeply miss the warm and open connection we have shared with our neighbours and fellow residents of Zwaanwijck.”
History:
In 1895, widow Johanna Theunissen commissioned this impressive country house, designed by architect H.H. Hagedorn Jr. and intended to be “furnished in accordance with the requirements of the times.” Following her death in 1899, she donated Zwaanwijck to a foundation for unmarried women and widows. More than a century later, much of the remarkable interior remains intact: the marble staircases, monumental mahogany woodwork, stained-glass windows and original ceiling paintings. Preserved much as she originally envisioned them.
Living at the Zwaanwijck Estate:
Even the journey to the estate sets the scene: traditional farmhouses on one side and the River Vecht on the other. Once you pass through the historic gates, the outside world seems to disappear. The residents form a wonderful mix of generations and lifestyles. Young children playing near the ponies, retirees enjoying the good life and travellers who venture far and wide but always return home to Zwaanwijck. What brings them together is a shared appreciation for tranquillity, nature, culture, history and true craftsmanship. This is life at Zwaanwijck.
Lifestyle:
Living at Zwaanwijck means embracing the rhythm of the River Vecht. Start the day with coffee on the terrace as rowers glide past on the water. Afterwards, take the dog for a walk along the river or enjoy a bicycle ride through the green countryside surrounding the Vecht.
In the afternoon, step aboard your own boat directly from home. Within approximately thirty minutes, you can moor in Weesp for lunch or drinks on the terrace at Restaurant Harmsen. Continue along the river towards Loenen aan de Vecht, where several exceptional restaurants can be reached by boat. The Loosdrecht Lakes and Amsterdam are also accessible directly from the water – a sense of freedom that makes life along the Vecht truly special.
There is plenty to enjoy on the estate itself. Children have all the space they could wish for to play outdoors, enjoy football, hockey or basketball on the playing field, or explore the woodland. On warm summer days, the swimming pool offers welcome refreshment, while the tennis court and pétanque court provide the perfect setting for a friendly match with family, friends or fellow residents. Residents also regularly play tennis together, adding to Zwaanwijck’s relaxed and sociable atmosphere.
The location is equally attractive for lovers of equestrian sports, golf and sailing. Dols Stables is just a few minutes’ walk away and offers the opportunity to stable your own horse close to home. Weesp Golf Course is approximately five minutes away by car, while the nearby Gooi region is home to renowned clubs including Hilversumsche Golf Club and De Lage Vuursche. From Muiden, sailing enthusiasts can head directly onto the IJmeer.
And whenever you feel like returning to city life, Amsterdam is within easy reach. From the Rijksmuseum and Concertgebouw to the capital’s theatres, restaurants and boutiques, everything is close at hand. After an evening in the city, you return home to the tranquillity, space and privacy of Zwaanwijck.
Hometour:
The journey to Huize Zwaanwijck sets the tone from the very beginning. We drive alongside the beautiful River Vecht, through the green countryside of Nigtevecht, until the historic entrance gates of the estate come into view. The moment we pass through the gates, the outside world slowly begins to fade away.
We park in our private parking space and follow the gravel path towards the castle. Huize Zwaanwijck immediately makes an impression. Its imposing red-brick façade is framed by cream- coloured decorative details, richly ornamented rooflines and distinctive pointed turrets rising high above the surrounding parkland. This is a home you do not simply see – you experience it.
Ground floor
The moment we step into the central hall of Huize Zwaanwijck, there is really only one thing to do: stop for a moment and take it all in. White marble, richly ornamented stucco ceilings, elegant arches supported by columns, and original mahogany doors and panelling define the atmosphere. Colourful stained-glass windows, including a remarkable example featuring the family coat of arms, cast beautiful shades of light across the interior.
Look up and you will discover perhaps one of the most extraordinary features of the house: the magnificent stained-glass skylight. The hand-carved balustrade is a work of art in its own right, intricately decorated with flowers, leaves and elegant scrollwork. Everywhere you look, another historic detail reveals itself – a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of another era. We continue upstairs via the grand staircase with its blue runner. Along the way, we pass two large portraits of former residents. Their gaze follows you as you walk by – a small moment in which the history of Zwaanwijck suddenly feels almost tangible.
First floor
On the first floor, we enter the bright and open dining room with the adjoining kitchen. The kitchen is spacious and practically designed, connecting naturally with the rest of the living floor. We then continue into the living room – and this is where the truly exceptional character of the property becomes apparent. With an impressive ceiling height of 4.05 metres, large windows allowing daylight to flood the room, a fireplace and original wall and ceiling paintings, this space has a grandeur that is rarely found today. Two French doors open onto the terrace, offering spectacular views across the River Vecht. My favourite spots? The lounge chair in the bay window and the dining table beside the window. Here, you can read a good book, work while looking out over the water, or enjoy long dinners with family and friends. Meanwhile, boats glide past and cyclists follow the riverbank below. The view is constantly changing, yet never becomes ordinary. In all my years as an estate agent, I have rarely encountered anything quite like it. It does not get much better than this.
Second floor
Via the mezzanine, featuring a bespoke integrated desk, we reach the main sleeping floor. Here, there is first a separate WC. Next is the exceptionally spacious bathroom. With an impressive ceiling height of more than five metres, even this room has an extraordinary sense of volume. The bathroom is complete with a bathtub, generous walk-in shower, double washbasin and a second WC. Then we enter the principal bedroom: almost fifty square metres in size and fitted with generous built-in wardrobes. An impressive space offering plenty of possibilities. If an additional bedroom is desired, the room could be divided into two separate bedrooms.
Third floor
The staircase leads us to the third floor, where light and space once again immediately catch the eye. The open gallery creates a beautiful connection with the floor below and enhances the open, spacious character of the home. Here, you will find a generous second bedroom with a ceiling height of 2.71 metres. There is also a separate laundry room, complete with a washbasin and the necessary connections. For those looking for additional comfort, this space offers the possibility of creating a fully equipped second bathroom.
Garage
Practical space has not been overlooked outside the castle either. The brand-new wooden garage features its own upper floor, offering far more possibilities than simply parking a car or providing additional storage. The upper floor can be adapted entirely to suit your needs – perhaps as an atmospheric artist’s studio, a peaceful home office or a comfortable guest room. A versatile addition that perfectly complements the freedom, space and exceptional character of life at Zwaanwijck.
Outdoor living
Zwaanwijck continues to surprise once you step outside. The park surrounding the residence has been designed in the English landscape style, creating a green oasis of tranquillity, space and privacy. Wander through the estate’s own woodland, pick fruit and nuts from the orchard, or simply enjoy the sunshine on your private terrace. And what would a country estate be without horses? Zwaanwijck has those too. Two small Shetland ponies complete the idyllic country setting and add to the estate’s unique charm. Perhaps the greatest luxury of all is that you can enjoy the space and beauty of an expansive historic estate without having to maintain it yourself. Johan, the estate gardener, takes care of the grounds, leaving you free to simply enjoy everything Zwaanwijck has to offer.
Concierge Services:
As a resident, you will have access to the Signature Lifestyle app, designed to make everyday life just that little bit easier. Arrange a private chauffeur for an evening at the theatre or a museum visit in Amsterdam, all at the touch of a button.The app also gives you access to a range of lifestyle services, including linen changes, housekeeping, the delivery of freshly prepared meals and other services tailored to comfortable, carefree living.
Location & Accessibility:
Nigtevecht is a charming and authentic village on the River Vecht, surrounded by greenery and tranquillity, yet surprisingly close to Amsterdam and other major cities. The village itself offers a range of everyday amenities, including a local shop, primary school, childcare facilities, and tennis and football clubs.
Accessibility is excellent. Gein metro station can be reached by bicycle in approximately twenty minutes, while the nearby A1 and A2 motorways provide easy connections to Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Schiphol Airport, Utrecht and the Gooi region. By taxi, central Amsterdam can be reached in around twenty minutes, while Schiphol Airport is approximately 25 minutes away. For a wider selection of shops and amenities, the historic fortified town of Weesp is just a short distance away. Now part of the municipality of Amsterdam, Weesp offers a varied selection of shops, restaurants and terraces, as well as secondary schools and an NS railway station with P+R facilities. And, of course, your daily groceries can simply be delivered to your door.
The surrounding area offers plenty to discover. Historic and natural landmarks such as Muiderslot Castle and the Naardermeer nature reserve are within easy reach, as are the picturesque villages along the Vecht, including Loenen aan de Vecht and Breukelen. For centuries, this part of the Netherlands has attracted those seeking the rare combination of nature, history, space and tranquillity – all within easy reach of Amsterdam.
Estate Amenities:
+ Private mooring with electricity supply;
+ Heated swimming pool with sanitary facilities;
+ Tennis court;
+ Multi-purpose sports field for hockey, football or basketball;
+ Pétanque court;
+ Landscaped park with private woodland and ponds;
+ Two Shetland ponies;
+ Orchard with fruit and walnut trees;
+ Brand-new private garage;
+ Communal storage space in the main house;
+ Lift in the main house.
Owners’ Association & Management:
+ VvE Huize Zwaanwyck in Nigtevecht;
+ Professionally managed by an external property management company;
+ Comprising 13 residences: 6 in the main house, 5 in the Coach House, 1 in the Gardener’s Cottage and 1 in the Sheepfold;
+ Service charges: €1,033 per month, including an advance payment for communal heating;
+ Various subsidies are available for the maintenance of this listed historic estate.
Features & Highlights of the Apartment:
+ Situated in a listed historic building dating from 1895;
+ Private mooring and jetty on the River Vecht for your boat;
+ Large windows offering spectacular views across the River Vecht;
+ Generous living area of 198 m², measured in accordance with NEN 2580. Measurement report available;
+ The foundations have recently been inspected and found to be in good condition. Report available;
+ The apartment has recently undergone a building inspection and was found to be in good condition. Report available;
+ Original historic wall and ceiling paintings;
+ Two bedrooms, with the possibility of creating a third;
+ Wood-burning fireplace, with a virtually unlimited supply of firewood from the estate itself;
+ Sunny terrace with beautiful views;
+ Private bicycle storage in the lower ground floor of the main house;
+ Two private parking spaces as well as a brand-new garage, ideal for a classic car or additional storage;
+ With the exception of the monumental living room, the entire residence has been extensively renovated to a high standard by the current owner.
Interested?
A place like this is truly one of a kind and only rarely comes onto the market. Even the building inspector, photographer and videographer were left speechless when they first arrived at Zwaanwijck. Don’t wait too long to experience it for yourself. Please feel free to contact me, I would be delighted to personally show you both the apartment and the estate. The blue carpet is already rolled out, and the coffee is waiting.
“Officially, Zwaanwijck is referred to as a country estate or country house, because a true castle has a moat, a drawbridge and medieval origins. But when I stand here, with those turrets rising above me and all that grandeur surrounding me, I simply call it Zwaanwijck Castle. And no one seems to disagree.”
Rosalie Zuidema
Registered NVM Estate Agent
