On the estate De Horte in Dalfsen you can find a small white house that once served as a billiards room. This unique monument has now been transformed into a studio, providing a charming accommodation option amidst nature.
text: Yvonne van Galen, photography: Corine hoge Bavel-Jansen voor Wonen Landelijke Stijl and Jitzke Grijpstra Photography
historical gem
Landgoed De Horte is situated in the Overijsselse Vechtdal. The core of the current mansion dates back to 1760 and is predominantly laid out in French style. The location boasts a rich history, with significant parts designated as national monuments. Surrounded by forests and meadows where various animals reside, 't Witte Huis, our host today, was built on the estate in 1905. Originally serving as a billiards room for the landlord, it provided a retreat for him and his male guests after dinner, a place for smoking, drinking, and, of course, playing billiards. After its heyday, the billiards house gradually found other purposes. Despite its limited dimensions, complete families have lived here, and it slowly fell into a slightly dilapidated state.
new future
In 2016, the fate of 't Witte Huisje took a turn. By Mölle approached the trust Landschap Overijssel that year to discuss the monumental property. Lucienne Dunnewijk, together with Marianne Maat owner of By Mölle shares, "By Mölle is located next to the estate, and during walks on the grounds, we noticed that the house was vacant. This naturally sparked our imagination to do something with it. We then approached Landschap Overijssel to see if we could give this idyllic historical spot a beautiful new future together. With By Mölle embracing a Slow Living philosophy, producing our collection with sustainable and natural materials, our plan was to restore 't Witte Huis and furnish it with our collection. By renting it out to guests, a portion of the income also goes back to Landschap Overijssel, allowing them to finance their work and better protect this estate, the unique natural area, and the region's historical heritage."
a natural home
By Mölle ensured the existing situation of 't Witte Huis was optimized. "We worked as much as possible with materials already present. We sanded the wooden floor and replaced the existing kitchen doors. Yet, we also brought contemporary comfort by installing a bathroom. It is now furnished as a studio, featuring a compact kitchen, a comfortable living area, and a cosy wood stove," explains Lucienne. "Everything is pure and comfortable with natural, timeless, and sustainable materials. Of course, the spacious double bed is layered with bed linens from our own brand. Our pillows and duvets are made from organic cotton and ecologically recycled down. We believe that the atmosphere we have created inside and around the house now better suits its history than when we first saw it. It exudes hospitality in a beautiful natural way, further enhanced by the breathtaking surroundings."
flora & fauna
't Witte Huis boasts a private garden with a wooden outdoor table and comfortable seating. From the garden, you can directly access the forest, where two marked walking routes are laid out. Guests and visitors can enjoy the estate and the walled garden near the house, featuring its own orchard with old fruit varieties, a Sequoia mammoth tree, and a historical grapevine greenhouse. Various animals, including otters, badgers, ermines, and kingfishers, inhabit the estate. During the season, daisies and cornflowers bloom in the grasslands, and the waters are home to roach, tench, pike, and even the grass snake. With a bit of luck, you might see them swimming in the estate's moat.
unwind
"I have stayed in 't Witte Huis myself," says Lucienne. We wanted to experience firsthand what it would be like to stay here. Well, I found it fantastic to discover the impact a stay in this house had on me. All the necessary amenities are there, and you feel the hospitality. But, for example, there is no television, so you're more likely to read a book, play a game, or have a good conversation by the fireplace. The views and sounds from the woods quickly make you feel one with nature. Everything here is designed to unwind, and it actually happens because the environment and the slow living interior exude complete tranquility. Yes, 't Witte Huis is truly an idyllic spot."
bring the holiday feeling home
Almost everything in 't Witte Huis is from By Mölle's locally made collection. Those who want to take the relaxed holiday feeling home can shop for all kitchen linens, bedding, and ceramics in the recently opened store of the brand in Hattem or order online from the webshop.
book your stay here
text: Yvonne van Galen, photography Corine hoge Bavel-Jansen © DPG Media and Jitzke Grijpstra Photography