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History

Vaeshartelt Castle

Vaeshartelt Castle in Maastricht has been a special estate in Maastricht for centuries.

As early as around 870, there was a fortified farmhouse, and in 1381 it was given the name Vaeshartelt when it came into the possession of Servaes van Mulcken. Since then, many owners have shaped and expanded the castle and the surrounding park.

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A place with stories that whisper through time

The current main building largely dates from 1739, with significant extensions in the 19th century.

Among the most famous owners were King William II and industrialist Petrus Regout. Around 1853, Regout commissioned the beautiful landscape park from the Belgian landscape architect Jean Gindra, featuring avenues, ponds, and wooded areas that define the character of the estate to this day.

Today, Vaeshartelt is a vibrant estate where history and nature come together. Visitors can enjoy the monumental castle, the English gardens, the kitchen garden, and the bee pavilion, or take a walk through the park. The estate combines its rich past with modern functions such as a hotel, restaurant, and event venue.

Key facts at a glance

  • Origin: as early as ± 870, a fortified farmhouse stood on this site
  • Name Vaeshartelt: established in 1381, owned by Servaes van Mulcken – The name of the country estate came about through the owner in combination with the medieval forest area named Hartelt.
  • Important owners: Industrialist Petrus Regout (1851) transformed Vaeshartelt into a stately residence, King William II (1841)
  • Petrus Regout purchased the estate in 1841, initially on behalf of the King of the Netherlands, at the request of King William II, who wanted a country residence near Maastricht. He ultimately stayed there for only two periods of two weeks. The north wing was referred to as 'the little palace'.
  • 1851: 3 years after the death of the king, Regout bought it as a permanent residence.
  • 1852: creation of an English landscape park by landscape architect Gindra
  • Monument status: main building, outbuildings and park protected heritage
  • Current function: hotel, restaurant and event venue

But there is even more to discover!

Learn more about the following topics:

Flora

Flora

Foundation

Foundation

Fauna

Fauna