The Houberg Estate

Once river Rhine served as a thriving trade route passing the river bank. Today a remarkable nature reserve has reclaimed the land, restoring the sense of peace and serenity. The ancient river bend carves long sightlines through willow groves, along beaver dams. In the heart of this overwhelming landscape, a modern manor house assembles all views. An old farm has closed its doors. It is time for a new beginning.

Set atop a slightly raised river bank, amidst the elongated waterways, stands an elegant manor house. A family home where a large family will gather for decades to come. Anchored in the landscape with a magnificent panoramic view over the water. The manor house is a place to come together away from the bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature. It is a place to celebrate life, surrounded by the serenity of the landscape. A modern estate that will connect this family for generations.

The manor comprises three wings, each embracing a distinct aspect of the surrounding landscape. Upon arrival, a winding road leads through an English-style parkland, offering glimpses of the house and gradually revealing a striking entrance. On the other two sides, the house meets the rugged beauty of the river and former agricultural fields, reinforcing the estate’s connection to its natural origins.

The restoration of the original landscape has enhanced the estate's quality. Thoughtful interventions strengthen the existing coulisse landscape and expand the variety of paths. A neighboring organic farmer grazes his Belted Galloway cattle in the meadows, blending agriculture and ecology seamlessly, while passing hikers and fishermen, are invited to explore the estate’s public areas. They too will be able to experience the enrichment of this area.

The manor house is situated along a central axis across the estate. Steps, verandas, and terraces connect the building to its surroundings, integrating indoor and outdoor spaces. The old walnut tree and curly willow bring you close to the canopy and frame the entrance of the manor in green. The robust stone base supports a lightweight wooden pavilion on top, creating a harmonious architectural balance. An elegant roof offer the veranda’s a pleasant cover. Large glass facades frame uninterrupted panoramic views, ensuring a seamless transition between interior and exterior. 

The landscape forms a continuously changing backdrop around them. The living area, consisting of an entrance, living, dining, and open kitchen, is one interconnected area. Due to its varying shape, both a small and a large gathering can comfortably reside here. Characteristic stone floors, wooden overhangs, and floor-to-ceiling windows in slender steel frames, blend the indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly together.

The natural colour palette of warm reddish-brown wood and locally sourced stone harmonises perfectly with the environment. The hand-laid stone foundation pays homage to the glacial boulders scattered across the region, a subtle nod to the area’s geological heritage.

This family saw a promise of beauty in a location that everybody passed by. An intensive collaboration, built on trust and a shared vision has been the foundations of this result. The unique qualities of this area are once again visible and became a thriving example of what can be achieved when architecture and landscape work in harmony. Amidst this stunning nature the estate is flourishing. Both modest het noble, she assembles all views in one building. From now on, a family’s new home.