As Camille Oostwegel Sr. strolls through the Baroque terraced gardens of Château Neercanne, he pauses before a medieval fountain, reflecting on the rich history that surrounds him. “We are standing in the very heart of Europe,” he remarks, alluding to the Roman site where Julius Caesar once battled with 6,500 soldiers. With a sense of reverence, he acknowledges the plethora of stories and untold history enveloping the area, hinting at the endless discoveries waiting to be unearthed.
Nestled in the southeastern corner of the Netherlands near the Belgian border, Château Neercanne became a part of the Oostwegel family’s collection of historic houses in 1984. After meticulous restoration efforts, the family opened Restaurant Château Neercanne, which swiftly earned a prestigious Michelin star within just one year of operation. The château itself, dating back to 1698, was commissioned by Daniël Wolf van Dopff, a baron and military governor of Maastricht, who sought to create a grand venue for revelry and celebration.
Over the centuries, Château Neercanne has played host to an illustrious array of guests, from royalty such as Peter the Great and Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands to modern-day figures like race-car driver Max Verstappen. Its reputation as a “party palace” only grew with time, solidifying its status as a legendary venue for gatherings and festivities.
March 1 marked a new chapter in the castle’s history, as it unveiled seven newly crafted suites nestled within the former gatekeepers’ quarters. Two of these suites, the Deluxe Garden and the Superior Garden, offer exclusive access to private courtyards, fulfilling the long-held desire of guests to experience an overnight stay within the château’s storied walls.
For Camille Oostwegel Jr., the launch of these suites represents the realization of a cherished dream shared by guests over the years. Taking over the reins of the Oostwegel Collection from his father, Oostwegel Sr., in 2020, Oostwegel Jr. oversees a portfolio that includes four historic luxury hotels in the region. Among them are the Kruisherenhotel Maastricht, a 15th-century monastery-turned-hotel, and Château St. Gerlach, a sprawling estate frequented by luminaries ranging from Bruce Springsteen to the Rolling Stones.
In transforming Château Neercanne into a luxurious retreat, Oostwegel Jr. enlisted the expertise of interior designer Roelfien Vos to craft a contemporary ambiance that honors the property’s heritage. Departing from the dark, somber interiors often associated with Renaissance-style castles, Vos sought to infuse the space with light and modernity while respecting its original character. The result is a harmonious blend of old and new, where 16th-century turrets mingle seamlessly with stylish, contemporary furnishings, creating an atmosphere that is both inviting and elegant.
Through meticulous attention to detail and a reverence for the château’s architectural legacy, Vos and her team have succeeded in creating a space that feels simultaneously timeless and fresh. Each suite exudes a sense of warmth and sophistication, with elements inspired by the surrounding gardens and landscapes woven throughout the design. From the meticulously curated furnishings to the reclaimed wood flooring in a Versailles pattern, every aspect of the renovation reflects a commitment to honoring the château’s rich history while embracing the demands of modern luxury.
“My house is now your palace,” declares Camille Oostwegel Sr., encapsulating the spirit of hospitality and generosity that defines Château Neercanne. As guests step into these newly unveiled suites, they embark on a journey through time, where centuries of history converge with the comforts of contemporary luxury, creating an unforgettable retreat in the heart of Europe.
