The good life behind the dunes
Kasteel de Wittenburg
Picture this: you step through the gate of a 19th-century castle, surrounded by tree-lined avenues and a sprawling park-like estate. Welcome to Kasteel de Wittenburg in Wassenaar, a stately country retreat where history and hospitality meet effortlessly. Here, nestled between the dunes and just a short distance from The Hague and the beach, you'll discover a place where time slows down. The ten stylish guest rooms each offer their own character and elegance. Rich fabrics, classic details, comfortable bathrooms, and hardwood floors create an atmosphere of understated luxury. From your window, you overlook the verdant estate, and in the morning you wake to the gentle rustling of ancient trees and the feeling that you're somewhere truly special. In the rooms, you'll find original architectural elements such as large windows and fireplaces - that make the monumental grandeur of the castle tangible. Kasteel de Wittenburg was built in 1899 by Jonkheer Helenus Marinus Speelman and his wife Sophie Adriënne Baroness Sloet van Oldruitenborgh. The couple traveled extensively and brought their fascination with distant cultures back home. Their remarkable collection of Chinese vases, gathered during those journeys, still stands as a silent witness in the castle - an elegant reminder of their adventures and their love of Eastern beauty. From the 1960s onward, De Wittenburg became home to the International Business Reception Center Association, where captains of industry, ministers, and international representatives are graciously received. Behind the monumental façade lies a world where history, diplomacy, and refinement converge. A stay at De Wittenburg feels like stepping into a living story - a place where history is tangible, where hospitality has been elevated to an art form, and where you truly find peace.
The first resident of Kasteel de Wittenburg
Restaurant Sophie
Descend to the basement level of Kasteel de Wittenburg and discover Restaurant Sophie, a place where history, travel, and gastronomy converge. Chef Erik van der Hulst and his team present a refined interpretation of French cuisine, enriched with elegant Asian influences. The result is a culinary experience that feels both familiar and surprising - a gastronomic journey around the world in the spirit of Baroness Sophie Adrienne Sloet van Oldruitenborgh, after whom the restaurant is named. Start your day with a fresh breakfast at Restaurant Sophie: freshly baked rolls, fresh toppings, scrambled eggs, yogurt, and fresh fruit. During dinner in winter and also during lunch in summer, you'll taste the harmony between classic craftsmanship and the finesse of Eastern spices, aromas, and techniques. Ingredients are carefully selected, preparations are precise, and the balance between soft, rounded flavors and subtle spices is thoughtfully considered down to the last detail. The setting enhances the story: the former wine and provisions cellar has a warm intimacy, with watercolor-like wall decorations that evoke images of distant travels and refined woodwork that subtly nods to antique Chinese room dividers. The spacious terrace is a wonderful place to linger - not only for the food and drink, but especially for the peace and space. Restaurant Sophie is open Wednesday through Sunday. Let yourself be surprised by a cuisine that invites you to travel without leaving the castle.
Where moments last a lifetime
Weddings, celebrations & special moments
Kasteel de Wittenburg has been a backdrop for special moments for generations - a place where love is celebrated, milestones are marked, and memories are cherished. As a guest, you stay in a place steeped in emotion and meaning, where couples exchange their vows in the expansive garden, where families gather for anniversaries, and where friends toast to life. The castle's allure makes every moment special: the tree-lined avenues, the stately silhouette by the water, the classic salons with fireplaces, and the warm welcome that embraces every guest. For couples, the castle provides a romantic setting where dreams become tangible. Ceremonies filled with emotion, dinners that unfold in soft candlelight, and a setting that feels both intimate and majestic - here, every celebration receives a personal signature. You too will feel the magic of this place. You stroll through the same gardens where love is promised and dine in the same salons where stories are written. Kasteel de Wittenburg is a place where moments last a lifetime.
KEY FEATURES AND SERVICES
The Hague
The Royal Haagsche Golf
Beach
“Get away from it all.”
‘’Get away from it all, a stone's throw from the city.'' - Ralf Meppelder
Host: Ralf Meppelder
Chef: Erik van der Hulst