Nature house in Hemmen

Unwind in this romantic washhouse and imagine yourself back in bygone days on this estate in the Betuwe. Built in 1832, the washhouse was used to do the baron’s laundry at the former Hemmen Castle. As soon as you step inside, you’ll feel the atmosphere: a beautiful old stone floor, simple yet tasteful decor, and a comfortable box bed measuring 1.20B by 2 meters. From one window, you look out onto the Linge River; from the other, you see striking walnut trees. The off-grid washhouse is heated by a wood stove. The toilet is flushed with a bucket. There is no electricity or running water. However, there are rechargeable candles and lamps, and, if desired, a cozy fire in the wood stove. You’ll do your laundry the old-fashioned way with a washcloth. You can make coffee or tea, or cook a pot of soup on a camping gas stove. Coffee, tea, and a welcome drink are provided. Board games, puzzles, and books can be found in the cabinet. Next to the cottage, you can launch your own SUP board or kayak if you’d like.

In Hemmen, you can enjoy a lovely walk through an open, unspoiled landscape. This is where the Betuwe is at its most beautiful. You can walk along the Linge River to the park. From the castle ruins, looking out over the pond, you’ll see a kilometer-long oak-lined avenue. The castle garden is an oasis of tranquility with hundreds of flowers and plants. There are many cycling and hiking routes, including the Lingepad. In the spring, you’ll walk past pink and white blossoms; in the summer, past plum trees; and in the fall, the orchards are laden with walnuts, pears, and apples. Be sure to take a walk to the village of Hemmen with its picturesque little square lined with white houses. You can enjoy a delicious lunch at the brasserie or the pancake house. And the ferry will take you in no time to the Wageningen moraine (5 km) with its unique arboreta, museums, and eateries. Arnhem and Nijmegen are just under half an hour away by train from Hemmen. Doorwerth Castle and the surrounding hills are an 18-minute drive away. A walking map of the estate is hanging on the wall.