Overlooking the Jeker Valley and standing as the one terraced fort within the Netherlands, Château Neercanne is greater than a Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms, it is without doubt one of the most enchanting and intriguing locations I’ve visited – steeped in historical past with hidden secrets and techniques and engaging tales to find. Learn on for the complete evaluation.
Historical past
Enter within the Netherlands and exit in Belgium (or vice versa) even the placement of this 17th century Château is exclusive. Owned, managed and clearly beloved by the Oostwegel household, Château Neercanne is without doubt one of the 4 properties throughout the Oostwegel Assortment. Nevertheless, it almost wasn’t to be. When the property first grew to become obtainable on the market native boy, Camille Oostwegel Snr, whose first reminiscence of visiting the Fort was when he was 5 years outdated, was keen to purchase it and begin his personal restaurant however as a younger man with out expertise within the sector, his bid was refused. Nevertheless, a cheerful accident noticed that in 1984 Camille Oostwegel Snr took possession and started his devoted journey, opening Château Neercanne to the general public and it has turn into a extremely reputed institution within the Netherlands.
And it isn’t simply the distinctive delicacies and exquisite setting Château Neercanne is known for. In 1992 it was this charming setting that Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands introduced collectively twelve European leaders, (and after some tremendous wine and glorious meals!) it was right here that the Maastricht Treaty was signed.
Quick ahead to current day and now Camille Oostwegel and his spouse have taken the helm, carrying on his father’s legacy with the best of delight and devotion. And he has earned this place. The Oostwegel Household have a treaty in place themselves – solely somebody who’s succesful and shares the long run imaginative and prescient and fervour is appointed to steer the enterprise – this function isn’t solely upholding a legacy for the household, but in addition one for the way forward for Château Neercanne. Learn extra in our interview with Camille Oostwegel right here.
Our Expertise
Arrival
Our first encounter of the Oostwegel Assortment was with the pre-arranged switch driver who had despatched a pleasant {and professional} textual content message to me earlier than we even landed explaining the place to fulfill him on the airport. We flew into Airport Weeze which is roughly. 1hr 40 minutes from Château Neercanne, however there are others inside nearer proximity. Welcomed with a giant smile, baggage swept away we have been taken to a pristine Mercedez individuals service and supplied water for the journey.
Passing by Maastricht which is approx. 10 minutes drive from Château Neercanne after which by the open countryside Château Neercanne stands out majestically.
The winding tree lined highway resulting in the Château provides an aura and anticipation.
Alongside this highway and set again throughout the caves there’s an entrance to a bunker which was a part of the NATO headquarters in Maastricht throughout the Chilly Struggle which was solely found in 1991 – one other fascinating a part of the historical past of this place.
We park outdoors the iron gates and stroll alongside a brief pathway to the reception space which is situated within the Château itself and are met with a heat welcome. The reception space is conventional in fashion and presents authentic options, darkish wooden flooring and panelling, ornate finishings and French doorways that look right down to the backyard and throughout the sweeping countryside.
Our luggage are taken to our suite, and we observe with Milou, a pleasant and informative receptionist.
The Suites
Working as a tremendous eating institution, it wasn’t till 2024 that Château Neercanne may welcome visitors to remain in a single day. As a part of a wider restoration challenge, seven lovely suites have been developed with the utmost care and a focus in what was as soon as the Gate Home and former official residence. There are seven suites in whole; 5 suites, one superior backyard suite and one deluxe backyard suite, which can be used because the bridal suite, it’s cut up stage and set inside a turret of the outdated Gate Home. That is the place we stayed.
Unique home numbers are nonetheless evident on the outside of the constructing, and our suite (and three others) is accessed by way of what was home 800A. On the bottom ground there’s a fashionable communal area the place visitors can get pleasure from espresso, wine or different refreshments. Earlier than ascending a small wood staircase to succeed in the suite entrances.
A calming bottle of pink bubbles (which is a wine produced from the vineyards of sister property Château St. Gerlach) awaits and we get pleasure from a glass with a welcome amuse buche and a collection of spicy nuts earlier than Milou reveals us across the extraordinarily spacious suite.
Comprising a reception space with a sizeable up to date rest room, backyard room-come lounge space with French doorways opening out to a terrace which presents spectacular views throughout the valley and the kitchen backyard. We even have our personal non-public backyard with a aromatic array of herbs and flowers. Again within the reception space there’s a small wood staircase that results in the bed room with super-king (and tremendous snug!) mattress and a separate WC.
The suite combines authentic options with a up to date inside, tender furnishings acknowledge the locality and historical past of the property. For instance, wallpaper designs are of the herbs and flowers grown within the backyard, Julius Ceaser bust embossed cushions (it’s stated that Ceaser was defeated by the Eborones within the valley of the river Jeker, the place the Château sits) and the lamp within the backyard room / lounge space was designed by Camille Snr youngest daughter. The unique beams, small home windows, low arched doorways add character. The arrow-slit fashion wall lighting towards the iron banister all creates a historic environment. It’s a good looking and tranquil place to spend time.
And once we return from our dinner a considerate turndown awaits; chocolate-covered peanuts offered in a good looking shell left with a handwritten notice, curtains drawn and atmospheric lighting set. Extra little particulars that make your complete expertise so particular. With a full abdomen and an uplifted coronary heart, we sleep effectively.
Eating places
Restaurant L’Auberge
Once more, as a part of the intensive restoration, the household has renovated their second restaurant, L’Auberge, situated within the property’s former stables. Awarded with a Michelin Bib Gourmand, L’Auberge is the area’s go-to venue for a superb, well-priced three- or four-course meal in a shocking setting. The current upgrades embody a completely gas-free kitchen, reflecting the property’s dedication to sustainability.
Unique beams, brickwork, stable-esque structure and an open kitchen types this quaint and unassuming restaurant. We loved lunch right here and opted for the a la carte model of 1 the 4 course menu selections – we didn’t wish to spoil our urge for food for the tasting menu later that night.
A scrumptious amuse-bouche of white asparagus and oil of leek soup with a rooster pate and roasted onion tartlet was served as we contemplated over the menu.
The menu right here is completely seasonal with the produce both grown onsite within the kitchen backyard or from native suppliers. We even noticed one of many chef’s coming out to select some herbs!
The service workforce have been tremendous pleasant and made us really feel very welcome. An ideal wine listing with native and worldwide selections. We opted for a white wine one other one from vineyards of sister property, Château St. Gerlach. It was very simple to drink and lightweight on the palate.
My journey companion (my niece) has a couple of particular dietary necessities, nevertheless the workforce each at L’Auberge and the Michelin starred Restaurant Château Neercanne couldn’t have been extra obliging and made her really feel so comfy.
We selected cod served with sand root and béarnaise sauce and poultry fillet and leg with signature gravy – the unique dish was served with cave mushrooms; nevertheless, these have been omitted upon request. Sides of home-grown potatoes and white asparagus, egg and herb accompanied the primary course. Our dishes have been scrumptious and though they sounded fairly wealthy, they have been very mild, and the standard of the produce shone by. The dessert menu was extremely tempting, but we managed to withstand – saving ourselves for the ‘principal’ occasion later that night.
Breakfast can be served right here and was simply as fulfilling as lunch. A dainty portion of granola, pure yoghurt, served with a white chocolate case enveloping candy apple puree topped with goji berries was the primary dish which was then adopted by a continental breakfast served on the desk – pastries have been freshly baked, and eggs cooked to order. Not a menu in sight however a lot to select from to swimsuit each style. Add to the combination a powerful espresso and this was an excellent begin to the day.
Restaurant Château Neercanne
Situated within the authentic Château this Michelin-starred restaurant is grand, elegant and a extremely distinctive expertise.
The eating room is befitting of a royal expertise, to which it has performed host on events. An open hearth, excessive mantle place, ornate ceiling, spectacular chandeliers, interval ornamental panelling, heavy curtains and completely set tables all await visitors who dine right here. And my niece was significantly impressed with the low aspect stools by every desk designed to ‘seat’ purses.
Residence-grown and native produce is on the coronary heart of the French-inspired menu which has been expertly designed by Chef de Delicacies Robert Ranges.
The Maître d’hôtel, Robert, was charming and made us really feel extraordinarily welcome and once more, he and Chef, went above and past to accommodate my niece’s dietary necessities.
The Status Menu ranges from 5 to seven programs which may be paired with wine, and a vegetarian model can be obtainable. Our expertise was six-courses (plus 4 appetisers) and was a ‘blind’ one which meant we have been solely given the menu on the finish of the meal. Offered in a wax-sealed envelope it was a delight to recap on every of the divine dishes we’d loved. See footage under for a visible journey.
The expertise kicked off in theatrical fashion with a cocktail trolley holding two wood barrels inside two completely different cocktail choices. I selected the extra floral and refreshing of the 2 which was served like a magic trick – our waiter poured the liquor base, topped it with glowing wine, then created a foam bubble excessive of the coupe glass which he then ‘popped’ with a flambéed sprig of rosemary leading to an actual ‘poof’ of smoke. I want I’d anticipated what was to be served so I may have caught ‘the act’ on digital camera. A enjoyable approach to begin the night!
This set the usual for the remainder of the night with 4 delicate and flavoursome amuse buche together with six programs. Every dish was expertly ready showcasing a inventive mixture of elements and flavours and probably the most lovely creative presentation. Take for instance the cristal clear bread with avocado and toro tuna, the ‘bread’ was so delicate and ornate it may have been a ornament but to the chew it was crisp and completely complemented by the creamy avocado and succulent slither of tuna. Even the 2 butters one Wagyu and one caramelised to accompany the freshly baked bread was a marvel; expertly scooped (ice-cream fashion) from what appeared like an Ostrich egg, the creamy culinary staple taking centre stage served on two pedestals – a glistening temptation that didn’t disappoint. From the wealthy and velvety goose liver to the robust and succulent duck and each chew in between, every course when it comes to meals and presentation was a feast for each the eyes and the palate. I couldn’t decide my favorite!
We additionally loved the wine pairing choice of the meal, which was a delight. Our waitress was effectively knowledgeable and so versatile when it comes to how a lot wine to pour with every course.
Our expertise was simply over three hours – so that is undoubtedly an event to be savoured.
Exploring
The Grounds
Earlier than dinner we explored the grounds and had the pleasure of assembly Camille who kindly confirmed us round and defined extra concerning the restoration which has been sensitively executed in shut partnership with the native and nationwide councils.
It was an intensive challenge and painstakingly detailed, nevertheless the trouble has been effectively price it, and a real sense of time has been completely captured – bringing the previous to life with out compromising on modern-day calls for.
Many authentic options each throughout the Château and its grounds stay; together with the vast wood staircase within the reception space above which hangs a improbable portrait of the Baron who as soon as resided there. The unique Baroque design of the backyard was reinstated after the Oostwegel household discovered the genuine plans for the backyard and unearthed the unique fountain throughout the restoration challenge. Charming features may be discovered at each flip – the hidden away cellar fashion stone steps not solely descend to the formal backyard however transport you again to a time way back.
Fashionable artwork installations stand on the terrace between the Château and the gate-house constructing while historical monuments and statues remind visitors of the storied previous.
The Caves
On our tour with Camille, he took us to see ‘the caves’. We stepped past some heavy imposing wood doorways set within the hillside to find, maybe probably the most spectacular and ‘fairy-tale-esque’ a part of Château Neercanne. Wow. Wow. Wow. I used to be blown away by how magical and expansive this pure community of marl caves is. Phrases can not describe it. Residence to over 2,000 bottles of wine and covers an space of 500 sq meters community has been cleverly designed to include a ‘communicate simple’ fashion bar, a espresso and cocktail bar, eating space and all-round place (for approx. 500 to 600 individuals) to occasion. An array of seating choices from snug low chairs, excessive bar stools, fashionable sofas strategically positioned to assist outline every space. Candles information the way in which with wall-hung pretty lights including to the atmosphere. Etchings within the tender marl partitions add character and the sound-proofing impact of the marl means what occurs within the caves stays within the caves. And that is the place the notorious Maastricht Treaty was signed – which takes delight of place on the wall.
We didn’t have time to occasion or get pleasure from a nightcap right here, nevertheless I used to be really captivated and could be tempted to journey again (with 599 pals) to expertise this breathtaking occasion place in all its glory!
The Entertaining Venues
Inside the first ground of the Château sits the most important non-public eating room, Tsaar Peter de Grote room named after Peter the Nice who is alleged to have visited the Château on his travels within the 17th century. It’s good-looking in décor with strong furnishings, darkish wooden flooring and ornamental panelling and overlooks the Baroque gardens. That is very best for smaller events, non-public dinners, casual gatherings and typically even used as a spot for the bridal occasion to prepare.
And throughout the cave community there are a number of occasion areas; the Carrière Poswick – a big area very best for weddings or giant celebrations which regardless of being a part of the cave community advantages from an excessive amount of pure mild due to its home windows with a floor stage facet. The Orangerie is equally well-lit and simply as charming and is a wonderful setting for banquets and receptions. And naturally, step deeper into the caves to find the well-known wine cellar and cosy communicate simple bar, ‘Bar 1698’. There actually is an area for each celebration!
Ultimate Ideas
The Oostwegel Assortment ethos is based on 4 core principals; individuals, place, gastronomy, and assortment and Château Neercanne not solely, greater than, excels in any respect 4, but it surely additionally intertwines them in probably the most elegant and unassuming means. Add to this the magic that its storied previous brings, and you actually do have the makings of a fairy-tale place to remain. We extremely advocate you go to at the very least as soon as in your lifetime.
Château Neercanne is a member of Relais & Châteaux
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