Welcome to De Dobbellaar country house, a contemporary, fully renovated 26-person holiday home finished to a high standard. De Dobbellaar is an historic farmstead that greets you with its distinctive style as you enter Margraten, a village of contrasts and the gateway to the hilly Heuvelland region.
Many authentic and historic elements were kept during the property’s renovation and made visible again to create a beautiful ensemble. Not only can you stay here with your family, friends, or colleagues but the versatility of this iconic farmstead offers the opportunity to hold meetings in the garden or organize thematic workshops, such as baking vlaaien (Limburg sweet tarts) and taking part in tasting sessions in an authentic bakery. There is also a room for yoga clinics or retreats, with a view that gives you the space and tranquillity that you are looking for.
Xanne and Jarno are the proud owners of this country house and will make sure to give you a warm welcome!
History
You can catch a glimpse of its history as soon as you arrive at the farmstead. A stay at De Dobbellaar is a stay with a story. Its walls and buildings harbour a long history that goes way back to the 16th century. The oldest written details date from the middle of the 15th century when the farmstead was owned by the Dobbelsteijn family from Doenrade. Several other owners followed, including stadtholders. The farmstead was originally a farm complex in which the living quarters and farm buildings were grouped around the inner courtyard. At that time, the farmstead was used as a place to administer justice, which is why the complex was known as a ‘laathof’ or a lower court back then. In addition, it was also an important farmstead: meat came from their own livestock, grain for making bread grew in the fields, and the trees bore fruit for traditional Limburg sweet tarts (vlaaien). The bread and delicious tarts were baked in the ‘Bakkes’ or bakery, and the harvested crops were stored temporarily in the ‘Tiendschuur’ or tithe barn.
The infamous Buckrider Bandits were also known to roam around De Dobbellaar. Some members of this notorious gang even served their sentence here. Traces of these turbulent times can still be found here...
Adjacent to the bakery is a ‘Puthuis’, or water well house, where people used to collect clean water from the well using buckets. Fortunately, the water well has been kept and was restored to its former glory during the restoration.
Indoors
After driving through beautiful scenery to get to this property, you can park your car in the adjoining car park and access the holiday home via the large garden at the front. You enter the property via the hall, which then leads you directly to the spacious living room with adjoining dining room and large kitchen. Its warm interior combines perfectly with the contemporary and historic elements of the barn – a true feast for the eyes! The impressive authentic doors have been restored and, together with the brickwork and the modern furnishings, create a truly jaw-dropping effect. The kitchen is equipped with every convenience. It includes no less than two four-zone induction hobs, a dishwasher, a pre-rinse tap, two large refrigerators, a freezer, three combination microwave ovens, and, of course, a filter coffee machine or a fully automatic coffee machine with coffee beans for a wonderfully delicious cup of coffee. You’ll be able to cook here to your heart’s content with your group.
Sleep in one of the nine spacious bedrooms that are all furnished with good-quality boxspring beds and an ensuite bathroom. On the ground floor, you’ll find two large wheelchair accessible three-person bedrooms with a bathroom fitted with a rain shower, wash basin, and toilet. Both bedrooms have a mezzanine on which two single box spring beds have been placed.
First floor
The other seven bedrooms are situated on the upper floor. Three of the bedrooms can sleep four people and have a mezzanine and an ensuite bathroom with a rain shower, wash basin, and toilet.
Lastly, there are another four two-person bedrooms with an ensuite bathroom fitted with a rain shower, a wash basin, and a separate toilet. In short, it is a wonderful place to escape from your busy everyday life!
Outdoors
No matter how splendid De Dobbellaar country house is on the inside, make sure you don’t forget to go outdoors. Right in front of the front door is a lovely, spacious garden with a stunning view across the hills. You’ll immediately feel as though you’re in the middle of the countryside. And, of course, no garden would be complete without play equipment for the kids to play on.
The property is a stone’s throw away from the well-known American cemetery and if you listen carefully, you’ll hear the impressive blast of the trumpet at the start and end of the day.
Surrounding area
The Rijksweg that runs from Maastricht to Aachen threads several villages together – including Margraten – like pearls on a string. Margraten is world famous for the American cemetery mentioned earlier. This is the resting place of over 8000 soldiers who fought for our freedom. Here, you are stepping on American soil, which you can clearly sense in this impressive place to visit. Don’t forget to take your hiking boots or your bicycle or e-bike along with you! This location is perfect for hours of hiking or a bike ride through the varied landscape. Maastricht, Valkenburg, and Gulpen are all well worth a visit to enjoy all the good things in life that South Limburg has to offer.
Business purposes
This property is also ideal for business purposes. Do you want to organize meetings with your colleagues or take part in a team building activity in a unique location? Are you looking for an authentic bakery for a Limburg sweet tart workshop or do you want to escape from your busy daily life and organize a yoga retreat for instance? No problem! This venue has two separate rooms with a range of facilities. We would be happy to discuss all the possibilities with you.
Please note
Due to its location and position, this property is not suitable for groups of young people.
