Nemelaer Castle
Nemerlaer Castle was first mentioned in the archives in 1303; named after the small river 'de Nemer' and 'Laer', an open space in the forest.
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A Castle with a Remarkable Story
Castle Nemerlaer lies in the heart of a beautiful green landscape. Located on a vast estate with stately avenues, the castle has been mentioned in records as early as 1303. Its name refers to the nearby Nemer stream and a laer—a clearing in the forest—where a hunting lodge of the Dukes of Brabant is believed to have once stood.
From Natuurpoort Nemerlaer, you can enjoy stunning hiking and cycling routes across the Nemerlaer Estate, the Kampina, and the Oisterwijk Forests and Fens. In the café located in the castle's basement, traces from the 14th and 15th centuries are still visible. Here, you can enjoy a snack or drink while soaking in the castle’s authentic atmosphere—a place where heritage, peace, and experience come together.
What began as a fortified medieval …
A Castle with a Remarkable Story
Castle Nemerlaer lies in the heart of a beautiful green landscape. Located on a vast estate with stately avenues, the castle has been mentioned in records as early as 1303. Its name refers to the nearby Nemer stream and a laer—a clearing in the forest—where a hunting lodge of the Dukes of Brabant is believed to have once stood.
From Natuurpoort Nemerlaer, you can enjoy stunning hiking and cycling routes across the Nemerlaer Estate, the Kampina, and the Oisterwijk Forests and Fens. In the café located in the castle's basement, traces from the 14th and 15th centuries are still visible. Here, you can enjoy a snack or drink while soaking in the castle’s authentic atmosphere—a place where heritage, peace, and experience come together.
What began as a fortified medieval stronghold evolved in the 18th century into a moated country house. In 1852, the castle came into the hands of nobleman Donatus Alberic van den Bogaerde van Terbrugge, who had it renovated. His unusual will stated that his heir could only take up residence upon turning 80. As a result, the castle stood vacant for nearly 70 years.
When conservation organization Brabants Landschap acquired the estate in 1964, it received the deteriorating castle for a symbolic one guilder. Initially, there were even plans to let it fall into ruin, but notary Huegens saw potential. He brought in Anton van Oirschot—Brabant journalist, author, and castle expert—to save it.
Van Oirschot founded the Castle Nemerlaer Foundation in 1967 and moved into the basement with his family—without comfort, but with a big dream. Over the following years, the castle was gradually restored to become a place for cultural and social initiatives. In 1969, a fire broke out in the attic, causing severe damage. Efforts were once again made to restore it, and the castle was re-listed as a national monument.
However, in 2002, the roof structure was found to be unstable and at risk of collapse. Facade restoration had to be postponed to address the urgent need for roof reinforcement, leaving the foundation with a significant construction debt by 2005. After Anton's passing in 2004, his wife, author Carole Vos, continued the work. Through guided tours and events, she keeps this unique heritage alive.
This text has been translated using AI.
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