Kernhem

Nestled in the serene landscape of Ede in the Dutch province of Gelderland, Kernhem Estate stands as a testament to centuries of history and architectural splendor. This enchanting estate, with its lush greenery and stately manor, invites visitors to step back in time and explore the rich heritage of the region.

The History of Kernhem Estate

The origins of Kernhem Estate date back to the 12th century when the Counts of Gelre constructed fortifications along the borders with the Bishopric of Utrecht. Among these fortresses was the original Kernhem Castle. Over the centuries, the estate has witnessed numerous transformations and ownership changes, each leaving its mark on the landscape and architecture.

In 1426, Udo de Booze was appointed as the feudal lord of Kernhem by Duke Arnold of Egmont. The estate subsequently passed through the hands of several noble families, including the Van Arnhem, Van Wassenaer Obdam, and later the Van Heeckeren van Wassenaer and Bentinck families. Each family contributed to the estate's development, making it the captivating site it is today.

The Manor House

The current manor house, Huis Kernhem, was constructed in 1803 in the neoclassical style, replacing the original medieval castle. The house was built on the foundations of the original fortress, preserving a connection to its storied past. Above the main entrance, visitors can admire a façade stone adorned with the alliance coat of arms of the Van Wassenaer and Van Renesse families, commemorating a marriage between the two noble houses.

During the tumultuous year of 1672, known as the Rampjaar (Disaster Year), the Count of Wassenaar managed to save the estate from destruction by paying a ransom of 1,000 guilders to the French forces that had demanded 3,000 guilders initially. In the 19th century, the manor served as a boarding school for distinguished young ladies, run by Anna Maria Moens, who instilled values of patriotism, maternal love, religious devotion, and marital fidelity in her students.

The manor remained inhabited until 1968, after which it fell into disrepair. In 1970, Baroness Bentinck sold the property to the Municipality of Ede. A significant restoration effort was undertaken to preserve the house, despite the absence of architectural drawings, which complicated the task. Due to the lowering of the groundwater level, the house experienced subsidence, which is still visible from the Doolhoflaan (Maze Lane).

Since the 1990s, the ground floor of Huis Kernhem has been used for weddings, art exhibitions, and musical performances. The Kernhem Foundation, established in 1994, manages the property, promoting cultural activities in and around the manor. Adjacent to the house is a large herb garden, and the coach house has been repurposed as a pancake restaurant, offering a delightful culinary experience for visitors.

The Estate Grounds

The Kernhem Estate spans 31 hectares of agricultural land and 33 hectares of forests, avenues, and parks. In the 18th century, the estate was designed in a classical style, featuring a nearly three-kilometer-long west-east avenue comprising the Veenselaan, Kernhemselaan, and Doolhoflaan. In the 19th century, the estate underwent a transformation to an early landscape style, with the addition of picturesque parks around the Fish Pond and Hanenburg west of the manor house.

The Maze and Bats

To the east of the manor house lies a small burial mound, believed to date back to the Bronze Age. In the 18th century, a maze was constructed atop this mound. Between the maze and the manor runs the Doolhoflaan, which now intersects the municipal cemetery. The avenue's trees, primarily beeches planted in 1735, provide a habitat for a diverse population of bats. In recognition of this, the three-kilometer-long avenue was designated a bat reserve in 1978.

The Bloodstone

One of the estate's intriguing features is the so-called Bloodstone, located along the Doolhoflaan. According to local legend, blood can be drawn from this stone on nights with a full moon. A relatively recent folklore tale suggests that the stone was once used as a sacrificial altar or offering stone, adding an air of mystery to the estate.

Additional Highlights

The modern residential area of Kernhem, situated north of the N224, is named after this historic estate, further cementing its place in the local heritage. Additionally, the Kernhem cheese variety is named in honor of the estate, offering a delicious way to savor a piece of its history.

For fans of the comic series Suske en Wiske, the album Het witte wief is set on the Kernhem Estate, delving into the legend of the Bloodstone and adding a touch of adventure to the estate's lore.

Visiting Kernhem Estate is not just a journey through time but an immersion into the cultural and natural beauty of the Dutch countryside. Whether you're exploring the neoclassical manor, wandering through the lush parks, or uncovering the mysteries of the Bloodstone, Kernhem offers a captivating experience for all who venture to its historic grounds.