Whe lucky few got to spend a night in Kasteel de Wittenburg in posh Wassenaar. This neo-Renaissance monument was owned around 1900 by jonkheer Helenus Marinus Speelman, who had the castle built on a green estate with impressive vapour features and distinctive stepped gables.

After walking up the stairs with the red carpet, you are welcomed by the receptionist. That's where the great enjoyment begins. You can stroll through posh Wassenaar, but if you prefer to bivouac in the castle all day, that's possible too.

Restaurant Sophie

Because the basement houses restaurant Sophie, named after Baroness Sophie (1860-1941), the first resident of Kasteel de Wittenburg. Baroness Sophie and her husband were pretty travel-loving types. They took - as was common in those days - showpieces with them from faraway countries, mostly from Asia. These were displayed in their residence to show off their wealth and prosperity to guests and invitees. In the Small Lounge of Kasteel de Wittenburg, for instance, there is a special series of Chinese vases.

Back to the restaurant. Led by chef Roy van Geel, French dishes are enriched with products, spices and preparation techniques from Asian cuisine. There is a three-course surprise dinner for 39 euros. Among other dishes, we ate a beautifully prepared vegetarian beetroot dish and a seafood risotto. A matching wine pairing costs 21 euros. The latter we heartily recommend. Maître d'hotel Jordy van der Vegt knowledgeably told us with each course why the chosen wine goes so well with it.

Breakfast in the room

And then it's just a few steps to your bed. We had the suite overlooking the forest. A majestic room with a gold motif on the walls reflected in the curtains. Details, people. In the bathroom (with underfloor heating!), we could choose between a lion-footed bathtub and a rain shower. A king-size bed belongs in a room like this.

In the connecting room, we had our breakfast delivered in the morning. Luxurious! Warm baked croissants and crispy rolls with marmalades, orange juice, a boiled egg and scrambled eggs. For dessert, we had a yoghurt with fresh fruit. Coffee and tea are already available in your room, but on request the hostess will be happy to make you a cappuccino.

Kasteel de Wittenburg

From 1963, Kasteel de Wittenburg was a private environment with captains of industry holding exclusive membership. But during the economic crisis, companies had to economise and membership shrank. Since taking office in 2012, director Ralf Meppelder has therefore been focusing mainly on large, one-day events. Many companies know how to find the estate, hidden behind the Wassenaar woods. Events are now the castle's core business.

Lorenzo Ledel, editor of the gastronomic magazine Vision, celebrated his 10th anniversary here last August.

But since the corona virus, Meppelder is also thinking of alternatives. "Ideally, I would turn the tower room currently used as storage into a honeymoon suite. Since the crisis, the hotel rooms and restaurant are full every day. We are happy with that." Next year, the director also plans to erect a large, covered tent so that events can take place outdoors. "And a lowered terrace by the water, then even more guests can dine outside. The other day Candy Dulfer performed in the garden. So we hope to move more events outside as well." Sounds like music to our ears.

www.wittenburg.nl