Vrouwenhof

In the heart of Roosendaal, the Vrouwenhof stands as a testament to centuries of history and architectural evolution. This elegant landhouse, dating back to 1790, is nestled within a charming city park that invites both locals and visitors to explore its lush greenery and historical significance.

The History of Vrouwenhof

The origins of Vrouwenhof trace back to around 1300 when the Lords of Breda or their kin established a manor house and seat of lordship on this very ground. The early history of the estate is shrouded in mystery, with scant details about the initial construction. It is speculated that the original structure might have been a moated residential tower.

One narrative suggests the estate, known as 't Huys te Rosendael, was initially used by nuns when it was allocated as widow's property to Hadewij van Strijen, daughter of Willem van Strijen, Lord of Strijen, and second wife of Raso II van Gaveren, Lord of Breda. Another source mentions Hadewich van Strijen, Lady of Roosendaal, as the second wife of Nicolaas van Reimerswaal, who might have been the builder. The name Vrouwenhof likely refers to the female owner of the estate.

In 1501, the estate was sold to Engelbrecht II of Nassau, eventually passing into the hands of the House of Orange. The property was then leased to the Van Liedekerke family, earning the name 't Leengoedt. During the 16th century, the Antwerp mayor Nikolaas Rockox owned the house, and it is believed that Prince Maurice used it as a hunting lodge. Notably, Peter Paul Rubens might have stayed here, and preliminary negotiations leading to the Peace of Münster in 1648 were likely held at this location.

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the house experienced periods of decline and numerous renovations. In 1654, it was transformed into a rectory for the Roosendaal pastor Albertus Ursino, funded by the Tongerlo Abbey with 3060 guilders. The manor was sold in 1669 to Jonker Henricus Tilman Surmont, prompting the pastor to relocate to a new building on Molenstraat in Roosendaal, later known as Tongerlohuys.

The house changed hands several times, with various owners making significant alterations, demolitions, and additions. Notable owners included descendants of Rockox, Nicolaes Cornelis Tieboel (from 1794), and Gerrit Willem van Motman (from 1778), who fled during the Batavian Revolution. The house was listed for sale in the Bredasche Courant on July 16, 1814.

In 1850, the estate came under the ownership of tax inspector Scholten van Aschat, after whom Scholtensboslaan is named, and his heirs. Subsequent owners included Maximiliaan Gallenkamp, whose daughter married Aloysius van Gilse from an influential Roosendaal family, and Joseph Louis Portocarero (in 1927). In 1946, the property was sold to the state and converted into an office. The municipality of Roosendaal purchased it in 1964 and, in collaboration with the brewery De Drie Hoefijzers, extensively renovated it into a hospitality venue. Today, it operates as a Chinese-Indonesian restaurant, with the current owner having bought it from the municipality in late 2015.

The Building

The Vrouwenhof's current neoclassical appearance largely dates from the period between 1810 and 1830, although its core is much older. Architectural research reveals that during an 18th-century renovation, 17th-century and possibly older wall segments were preserved. The irregular brickwork, basements, and surviving drawings of the original roof all point to this historical continuity. No traces of the medieval buildings that once stood on this site have yet been discovered.

The building features two floors, with the ground floor elevated above the surrounding land (bel-etage). The plastered front façade boasts ten bays, nine of which are adorned with empire-style windows featuring fan ornaments in the upper corners.

The Park

The park surrounding Vrouwenhof is a remnant of the former estate. Its foundational geometric layout dates back to the 18th century, with parts later transformed into an English landscape style. In 1916, the park was redesigned according to the ideas of Leonard Springer. Another major redesign occurred in 1947, led by Jan Bijhouwer, converting it into a city park. The municipality of Roosendaal acquired the park in 1946, and significant changes followed, including the construction of an aviary, playground, sports fields, deer park, and open-air theater. The creation of the Laan van België street in 1965 divided the park into two sections, disrupting or destroying important historical landscape elements like the approach avenue to the manor house. The coach house, used as a youth center since the 1970s, was destroyed by fire in 1984.

The park features winding paths, various water bodies, and several bridges, including a Japanese bridge. It also hosts a rosarium, flamingo pond, poultry park, and deer park. A jeu-de-boules court now occupies the original site of the coach house. The park is home to several trees planted around 1900, registered as monumental by the Tree Foundation, including summer oaks, a beech, and a yew tree.

Trivia

The origin of the children's song:

And Mrs. van Roosendaal who had four ju-ju-juutjes
A coachman in a blue coat
with a beautiful collar on it
And Mrs. van Roosendaal who had four ju-ju-juutjes

remains unclear. It describes the carriage, drawn by a four-in-hand, of a wealthy lady. It was undoubtedly not Hadewich, but perhaps the wife of a 19th-century owner of Huis te Roosendaal.

In conclusion, Vrouwenhof is not just a historical building but a symbol of Roosendaal's rich past. Its walls and grounds echo stories of nobility, art, and transformation, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring this charming Dutch city.