“Camping De Boekhorst welcomes you.” Imagine those words echoing as you arrive. The story of De Boekhorst actually begins far from this campsite. It lies in Lochem with a rich history dating back centuries.
De Boekhorst began as a country estate. It transformed over time from a simple property to a landmark. In 1563, a transfer occurred to the Isendoorn women’s convent in Zutphen. This involved a “good” named Buxhorst. The described boundaries largely match the early 19th-century situation.
Fast forward to the late 18th century. Abraham de Leeuw van Coolwijck owned the estate. It is unclear if a manor house existed then on De Boekhorst. Gerhard Jan de Leeuw van Coolwijck inherited it. He had to sell in 1842 for financial reasons. Dr. W.C.H. Staring bought it. He acted as guardian for Jan Isaäc Brants. Brants was the wealthy grandson of poet A.C.W. Staring.
Winand Staring replaced the old building with a new country house in 1845. His family moved in a year later. Winand developed the estate. He created an English landscape garden with a pond and winding paths. This included special design features such as sightlines and a pinetum. The estate spanned about 150 hectares.
After Winand’s death in 1877, his children jointly owned De Boekhorst. His youngest son Johan Alexander managed it. For years, the house was rented out. A renovation and new construction of a stable with a coach house took place. In 1897, the “Roomboterfabriek ‘de Boekhorst'” opened on the property. This was a creamery factory. Arnold Wilhelm Otto Thate became the new owner in 1904 after roof repairs.
Since then, De Boekhorst has changed owners several times. The current owners fully restored it between 2015 and 2019. They returned it to its former glory as much as possible. While this Boekhorst may be different from the one in Lochem, it offers its own charm.
This De Boekhorst provides rest, recreation and a unique experience. Consider how the name connects you to that grand estate. It is a reminder of the past amid the campsite’s modern amenities. The Boekhorst name may evoke images of a beautiful country house and gardens. Here at De Boekhorst in Amsterdam Slotermeer, you can relax and enjoy the modern simple pleasures of camping.