Photo (Barbra Verbij): Front view of Oostergeest. ‘There’s always something to repair: a dormer window, a door frame, a historic cornice...’
A gem hidden behind the dunes
The ‘OOSTERGEEST’ country estate: a model for future generations
Based on the completely unfounded assumption that country estates are primarily found in the woods that surround the Hoge Veluwe National Park, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that a whole host of estates lies just behind the dunes. Oostergeest, the Pearl of Warmond, being a prime example. That sense of vitality is embodied above all in the newly widowed Lucelle Leemans-Van Nispen tot Pannerden, who later, like a fairy godmother, shows us around her houses, gardens and gazebos; she even has a (tiny) football pitch.
After Nuria treated us all to cake and coffee, Lucelle gave a PowerPoint presentation in the coach house - which had been converted into a reception room - about the grief following the death of her husband, Joan Leemans. They had gone through everything together and made all the necessary preparations, but still: what was to be done with all that space? Fortunately, a cousin was willing to rent the large house, and Lucelle herself moved into an adjoining dwelling.
While she was used to giving the tours alongside Joan, Lucelle was now assisted by our own guides, Clasien and Harold, who kept the chattering crowd in check.
Neatly laid-out English avenues alternate with whimsical paths. The monumental trees reveal just how old Oostergeest is. A gigantic beech dominates the edge of the woodland, despite its battered trunk.
And yet Oostergeest has only one gardener, who comes by twice a week; and that with an orangery packed from floor to ceiling! (Help from garden gnomes?)
Then suddenly you find yourself face to face with a healthy herd of grazing Lakenvelders cows! The animal world is never far away here on this country estate. Every year, the enormous stork’s nest is occupied, and above the mantelpiece of the coach house sits a sturdy badger, flanked by a jealous fox – both long since deceased, but still…
It’s just a shame about that mute swan! ...For those who weren’t there: halfway through the walk, a dazzling white swan suddenly appeared and lingered for a while. I wasn’t too keen on him. And yes, it was undoubtedly a male!
One of the sparkling highlights of the tour showcased the Leemans couple’s sense of pragmatism and humour. After previous residents had kept somewhat of a distance from the village of Warmond, the current (sixth) generation of Leemans maintains a warm, but above all educational, bond with the local schoolchildren.
The children found the remains of a German bunker particularly fascinating. An ideal spot for playing hide-and-seek or, more seriously, getting up to mischief. The sturdy barricades, erected by the Leemans couple, were no obstacle. A sign screwed onto the entrance door reading ‘BAT BUNKER, RISK OF DISEASE!’ proved a potent deterrent against potential mischief.
At the gathering, which also serves as a belated New Year’s reception, I found myself smiling at a life-size photo of Sophia Loren. I didn’t quite dare ask about her role there, but I suspect that Joan, with his fondness for Italian cars, knew more about it.
Tekst en Foto’s door: Ruud Vrielink, tenzij anders vermeld