Serenity in the Randstad

City dwellers crave for peace, space and nature, but unfortunately it cannot cost a penny. Many estates have therefore the water up to their neck. This also applies to De Hoorneboeg and Zonnestraal, two unique areas on the southern side of Hilversum. The income no longer covered the maintenance costs. WeLoveTheCity is working on the sustainable maintenance of these pearls. Their special history is our main source of inspiration.

De Hoorneboeg used to be a summer residence for wealthy Amsterdammers. They enjoyed hunting, philosophy, poetry, music, flowers & plants, garden architecture and visual arts. It is now a cultural estate for inspiration.

“Together with you, we would like to make the world a better place by connecting people with themselves, with others and with nature.”

Kristiaan Kamerling, foundation De Hoorneboeg

Zonnestraal is primarily known for Duiker’s sanatorium, a monument to the Nieuwe Bouwen movement. That’s a shame, because the estate is no less than 100 hectares in size and contains many more stories worth discovering. WeLoveTheCity is currently developing a new area concept for a sociable and vibrant nature estate that revolves around the health of body and mind.

The future of Zonnestraal will determine the future of the crucial, yet seriously fragmented transition zone between the dry lands of Het Gooi and the wet peat grasslands of the Vecht region. To accomplish this, WeLoveTheCity is working together with the Province of North Holland, the municipalities of Hilversum and Wijdemeren, the Goois Nature Reserve and the Amstel, Gooi and Vecht Water Board.