Step onto the Amsteldijk. Before you stands Amstelrust a stately home whispering tales of centuries past. Amstelrust is more than just a building. It’s a living testament to Amsterdam’s rich history.
Built around 1724 Amstelrust was commissioned by Jan Steur. He sadly passed away in 1728. The estate then passed to his heirs who sold it in 1730. Arnoldus Ameshoff a subsequent owner stipulated in his 1782 will that Amstelrust remain untouched for thirty years after his death. A hefty 15000 guilders would go to Amsterdam’s poor if anyone dared alter his beloved home. This unusual clause likely preserved Amstelrust in its original state a rare feat for a building that old.
Amstelrust experienced various owners during the nineteenth century. Sadly it fell into disrepair at the beginning of the twentieth century. During World War II a German Ortskommandant occupied the house. After the war Amstelrust was carefully restored. Its gardens were also meticulously renovated.
The municipality of Amsterdam eventually acquired the estate. A large portion of the parkland was incorporated into the neighboring Amstelpark. This happened in 1972 when the Floriade was held there. Amstelrust’s main house its coach house and a section of the garden remained separate. They continued to be privately owned.
Originally Amstelrust encompassed a main house a coach house stables a gardener’s house an orangery a tea pavilion a menagerie and extensive gardens. These gardens included vegetable plots and greenhouses.
The original Amstelrust house was built by architect Adriaan Dortsman. It was either demolished or substantially altered in 1724. The current building a nearly square structure underwent major renovations during the first half of the 19th century. It now shows an Empire style. Its features include a hipped roof crowned by four chimneys. Other details include cornice moldings with consoles a main facade with a central projection pilasters around the doorway and dormers. The interior was completely modernized after World War II. They even added a lift.
Initially the gardens followed a formal design. This style was common south and west of the house. Later portions of the garden were sold. A more landscape style garden replaced it. After the Amstelpark’s creation Amstelrust gave up land for its large pond. This roughly halved the estate’s size.
Amstelrust is still visible from the road along the Amstel River. Unfortunately the public cannot visit it. In 2022 the house and its converted 18th-century classicist coach house were on sale. The total area listed was approximately 5.5 hectares. This remarkable estate stands as a silent witness to Amsterdam’s history. A place where you can almost feel the echoes of past residents and significant events. It’s a story etched in stone waiting to be fully discovered.