Nature house in Hemmen

Unwind in this romantic washhouse and imagine yourself in former times on this estate in the Betuwe. The wash house from 1832 was used for the baron's laundry at the former Hemmen castle. Upon entering, you immediately feel the atmosphere: a beautiful old stone floor, a simple and tasteful interior and you sleep in a comfortable box bed of 1.20 by 2 meters. From one window you overlook the Linge, from the other you see striking walnut trees. The off-grid washhouse is heated by a wood stove. The toilet is flushed with a scoop bucket. There is no electricity and running water. However, there are rechargeable candles and lamps and, if desired, a cozy fire in the wood stove. Washing is done the old-fashioned way with a washcloth. You make coffee/tea or a pan of soup on a camping gas stove. Coffee, tea and a welcome drink are provided. Board games/puzzles/books can be found in the closet. Next to the cottage you can launch your own supboard or kayak if you wish.

In Hemmen you can enjoy hiking in an open, small-scale landscape. Here the Betuwe is at its most beautiful. Along the Linge you walk to the park. From the ruins of the castle, looking across the pond, you see an oak avenue a kilometer long. The castle garden is an oasis of peace with hundreds of flowers and plants. There are many cycling and walking routes including the Linge path. In spring you walk past the pink and white blossoms, in summer past the plum trees and in autumn the orchards are full of nuts, pears and apples. Be sure to walk to the village of Hemmen with its picturesque little square with white houses. You can have a delicious lunch in the brasserie or pancake house. And the ferry takes you to the Wageningen moraine (5 km.) with its special arboreta, museums and eateries. Arnhem and Nijmegen train you from Hemmen in less than half an hour. Doorwerth Castle with surrounding hills is an 18-minute drive away. A walking map of the estate is at your disposal.