Lots has happened over the past six months, making the saying "Wester-Amstel just keeps getting more beautiful”, truer than ever. Here’s what’s been going on.
The outside of the house looks a bit different than it did in March. We’ve added a large dormer window to the rear of the attic, expanded the ground floor window to the south side of the exhibition space, and put a new window at the top of the stairwell in the back. As a result, the interior in this previously gloomy portion of the house is now bathing in sunlight and the "introverted" back-side of the house has been opened up to the gardens and park.
And that’s not all… Our new tenant, MKB Fonds, is giving the interior a much-needed makeover. After 30 years the paintwork in the front of the house has been redone, walls have been re-plastered, carpets have been replaced and new curtains have been put up. The garden room is on its way to once again becoming the most splendid room of the house… Like it was ‘back in the day’. Not everything’s finished yet, but the results are already stunning.
We’ve also been busy in the park and gardens. The ornamental garden is now accessible through beautifully crafted iron gates. They add an unexpected sense of intimacy to the space, and we can’t wait until the roses start blooming. During weekends, the gates are unlocked, so make sure you stop by for a visit!
And that’s not all… Our new tenant, MKB Fonds, is giving the interior a much-needed makeover. After 30 years the paintwork in the front of the house has been redone, walls have been re-plastered, carpets have been replaced and new curtains have been put up. The garden room is on its way to once again becoming the most splendid room of the house… Like it was ‘back in the day’. Not everything’s finished yet, but the results are already stunning.
We’ve also been busy in the park and gardens. The ornamental garden is now accessible through beautifully crafted iron gates. They add an unexpected sense of intimacy to the space, and we can’t wait until the roses start blooming. During weekends, the gates are unlocked, so make sure you stop by for a visit!
The south avenue, which runs from the tea pavilion to the cast-iron Lissone bench overseeing the meadows, was brought to life this spring by an abundance of blooming white-orange daffodils. These "white lions" not only look beautiful, they also smell heavenly. We thank our volunteers for planting them and the anonymous benefactor that made it possible.
New ‘exotic’ trees were added to the park: a mulberry tree was planted in the orchard in memory of a deceased descendant of the Lissone family and a birth tree was planted right next to the orchard by the proud parents of Sienna Wals. The birth tree is our second Anna Paulowna tree, easily recognizable in May by its beautiful lilac flowers.
Of course, there are still a plethora of plans and wishes for the coming seasons. The Friends continue to help with volunteer labor and fundraising activities. If you would like to help, please don’t hesitate to contact us.