For Wester-Amstel, 2025 was a year to look back on with satisfaction. The annual report shows how our country estate was brought back to life thanks to the efforts of volunteers, the many visitors, the activities in the park and garden, and a series of well-attended events.
Wester-Amstel once again demonstrated the true meaning of our motto: ‘We, Wester-Amstel’. Together, volunteers, friends, visitors and engaged members formed the community that sustains our country estate and brings it to life.
More visitors
Visitor numbers to the park and gardens recovered well from the reduced numbers during the previous wet year. The number of visitors was estimated to be between 10,000 and 12,000, with a particularly high turnout on Amstelland Day.
The number of guided tours rose sharply: from 2 the previous year to 7 in 2025. In addition, we welcomed a wide variety of groups. As a result, our country estate once again provided the setting for a diverse range of encounters and experiences.
Volunteers at the heart of it all
Volunteers are the beating heart of Wester-Amstel. In 2025, their numbers grew to 39, with new members joining both the garden and park groups.
Thanks to their efforts, the gate was opened to the public, the park and gardens were well maintained, and events ran smoothly. Several volunteer activities took place, such as the first Wester-Amstel Croquet Tournament and a visit by the garden group to Oud-Zuyl Castle.
Wester-Amstel looking even better
Wester-Amstel lived by its motto ‘looking better every year’. For example, the gazebo was fitted with a beautiful tiled floor, the stinzen garden was further expanded, and the yew lawn was smoothened and cut into pristine order, just in time for the croquet tournament. Thanks to maintenance and clever interventions, such as closing part of Middellaan to traffic, the park also became even more attractive.
Concerts and gatherings
The 2025 programme once again featured a successful series of concerts under the theme ‘Jazz at Wester-Amstel’. The concerts were almost all sold out.
In addition, there was the annual Amstelland Day, this time with water as its theme. This made Wester-Amstel not only a place for peace and nature, but also for music, socialising and friendly competition.
Financially sound
The year ended with a surplus of €1,514. This was better than budgeted, but mainly caused by the postponement of expenditure on website improvements.
Even though the number of friends fell slightly, the foundation remained financially sound. The board would therefore like to express its sincere thanks to all friends, volunteers, the owner, the J.Ph.J.F. Lissone Foundation, and the tenant, the MKB Fonds, for their support and excellent cooperation.
Want to find out more?
You can read our annual report here .
Text by: Søren Ludvig Movig