History of Heerlijkheid Mariënwaerdt

The meaning of the name Mariënwaerdt is island (foreland) of Maria. The history of the country estate dates back to 1129 when an abbey of Saint Norbert was founded. The main buildings of this abbey were on the exact spot on which the present House of Mariënwaerdt is located.

The monastery was built on an ancient river course. It stood in fact like an island in the middle of a lower situated piece of land that was flooded for most part of the year. The monastery was actually built in a danger zone, exactly on the border between the provinces of Utrecht, Holland (now North and South Holland), Gelre (now Gelderland) and Brabant. There was a lot of fighting and plundering going on at that time. As a consequence, the monastery was destroyed several times and then resurrected. Vandalism and plundering put a definite end to the monastery.

The estate was for sale for hundred years before it was bought in 1734  by Count van Bylandt, the predecessor of the present owners, the Van Verschuer family. He built the house of Mariënwaerdt on the vaults of the former abbey. Since then Mariënwaerdt has been inherited in a straight line, whereby the territorial borders remained unchanged.

Now, the eighth generation of the Van Verschuer family is running the country estate Heerlijkheid Mariënwaerdt, that presently consists of three stately homes, seventeen farms, of which fourteen are monumental manors.

Arable farming has always been important at Heerlijkheid Mariënwaerdt. The estate has a large mixed agricultural farm that covers all aspects of farming arable, fruit, dairy and cattle. Besides farming, other activities have been developed, though always with respect for the tranquility, culture and the environment.

Guided tour
Do you wish to know more about the House of Mariënwaerdt and its owners? We organize guided tours for groups from 15 persons. Click here for more information. During the Country Fair and the Christmas we organize individual tours.