Historic Beverweerd Castle to transform into luxury hotel and park in Werkhoven
Beverweerd Castle in Werkhoven is set for a major revival as its new owner plans to restore the estate and open a high-end hotel and restaurant. The project, supported by the municipality of Bunnik, aims to preserve the historic site while boosting local tourism and recreation.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Beverweerd Castle and park, Werkhoven (municipality of Bunnik, Utrecht) |
| Owner’s Plan | Restoration of castle, high-end hotel and restaurant, park redesign |
| Developer | Circle Real Estate (on behalf of the owner) |
| Project Name | Het Ridderhof |
| Key Changes | Demolition of former gymnasium (pavilion), no new constructions planned |
| Park Accessibility | Remains open to guests, walkers, and visitors; may host events |
| Stakeholders Involved | Municipality of Bunnik, province, Cultural Heritage Agency, local community |
| Next Steps | Community consultations, further plan development |
| Letter of Intent Signed | March 12, 2026 |
The municipality of Bunnik plays a key role in preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable development within its jurisdiction. By supporting the restoration of Beverweerd Castle, the municipality ensures the protection of a historic site while fostering economic growth through tourism and recreation.
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New future for Beverweerd
Beverweerd Castle and its surrounding park in Werkhoven are set to receive a new future. The owner intends to restore Beverweerd Castle and establish a high-end hotel and restaurant there, while also appropriately redesigning the castle park (estate). The municipality of Bunnik supports this plan to preserve the historic estate and give it a new, future-proof function. Therefore, the owner and the municipality signed a letter of intent on March 12 to further develop the plans together.
Getting to work
Over the past 20 years, various owners have made plans for Beverweerd Castle and its associated park. Unfortunately, these plans have not come to fruition for various reasons. This has led to concerns and questions in Werkhoven and the surrounding area, as many people feared that the castle and park would fall into disrepair. In the meantime, the new owner has restored the monumental entrance gate, replaced the castle’s gutters, and planted new trees. Meanwhile, work has been underway on the "Het Ridderhof" plan, which places a strong emphasis on recreation, accommodation, and greening.
Het Ridderhof
With the "Het Ridderhof" plan, the owner aims to give Beverweerd Castle and its associated park a new lease on life, with respect for the history, buildings, and landscape. Plans are being developed for appropriate new functions for both the castle and the coach house and outbuildings. The former gymnasium (pavilion) is in poor condition, so it is likely that this building will be demolished. No new buildings will be constructed to honor the beauty of the location and its history, and to make as few changes as possible. The plan therefore focuses on maximizing the use of the existing characteristic features.
The castle park will be partially redesigned as a classic landscape that suits Beverweerd Castle. The gardens will remain accessible to guests, walkers, and other visitors. They may also be used for events.
Preserving the castle and estate
With these plans, the owner and the municipality of Bunnik aim to make the castle park future-proof, with attention to cultural heritage, recreation, and the green character of the area. The municipality is therefore pleased with the new owner’s plans due to the overall vision. “With care and respect for the castle, coach house, outbuildings, and the park, a suitable new function has been developed. This means a new future for this historic site in Werkhoven. It is also a welcome addition to our municipality in terms of tourism, hospitality, and recreation. It connects history with vibrancy and makes the heritage accessible to residents and visitors. Beverweerd will thus receive the status it deserves.”
Circle Real Estate (appointed developer on behalf of the owner) is pleased with the municipality’s positive response: “We look forward to working with the municipality, stakeholders, and interested parties from Werkhoven and the surrounding area to further shape these plans. Ultimately, we hope that this area will become and remain a place close to the hearts of many.”
Further development with the community
The developer (Circle Real Estate) and the municipality have been in discussions about the future of Beverweerd for about a year. During this period, the developer presented the plans to, among others, the landscape coordinator, Mooisticht, the province, and the Cultural Heritage Agency. They will also remain involved in the further development, as the redevelopment of such a distinctive location is highly complex. In the short term, the developer will present the plans to the immediate surroundings. In the coming period, other stakeholders and interested parties will also be involved in the further development of the plan. More information will be announced soon.
Photos of Beverweerd
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