Picture this: Vegtlust, a place where history whispers from the banks of the Vecht. This isn’t just a building. It’s a journey through time, a glimpse into the lives of Amsterdam’s elite.
Vegtlust stands proudly on Oud Over, a monument to a bygone era. Built in 1738, this buitenplaats or country estate offers a peek into the Dutch Golden Age. Space along the Vecht was precious. So estates like Vegtlust were built close together.
In 1738, Boudewijn Ploos van Amstel and Geertruij Grim called Vegtlust home. Back then, it was more than just a house. It included timber, plants, and land stretching over 15 acres. This included about 700 roeden of veenland.
Fast forward to the mid 19th century. Johannes Willem van Reenen expanded Vegtlust. Van Reenen was a collector of estates. He acquired Bijdorp, Geestesvecht also known as Schoonoord and Vecht en Dijk which laid next to each other. After demolishing Schoonoord, Vecht en Dijk and Almeer Farm, Van Reenen created a park.
After Van Reenen’s death, Jacob de Kivit and Thomas & Wijnand de Rijk acquired Vegtlust. They sold the trees in the park. In 1928, architect Petrus Houtzagers, a collector of carriages, kept horses here.
Vegtlust also had a koetshuis and a teahouse. The teahouse may have originally belonged to Schoonoord. The Van Reenen family’s original burial vault, dating back to around 1880, can still be found in the overgrown garden.
A wooden statue of Mercurius once stood proudly near Vegtlust. It held a staff with snakes in one hand and a money bag in the other. The statue was approximately 3 meters high. The statue probably dated back to the 16th century. It mysteriously disappeared during the Second World War. It was restored in 1982.
Over the centuries, many families have called Vegtlust home. Jan Arentsen lived here around 1710. Later residents included Harmen van Broyel, Joannes de Witt, and Dr. Wouter Holleman. Houthandelaren owned Vegtlust between 1925 and 1928.
In 1981, Vegtlust was divided into six apartments. Today, Vegtlust remains a private residence.
As you stand before Vegtlust, remember its rich history. Imagine the families who lived here. Think of the grand parties and quiet moments by the Vecht. Vegtlust is more than just a building. It’s a living testament to Amsterdam’s Golden Age.