WHAT IS NARDINCLANT?

Nardinclant is an early 20th century country house restored to its original glory. It evokes admiration and attention for its magnificent architecture, and in particular for its historic garden. It was designed by the famous landscape architect Leonard Springer, whose vision is still visible today in the shape and lines of the garden.

WHY IS THE GARDEN SO SPECIAL?
Because of its beauty, but also because of its historical value. The garden houses the longest flower-covered pergola in the Netherlands. A lush layering of textures and bright colors blooms in Laren.

In 1984, it was proposed that the garden be placed on the heritage list of monumental Dutch gardens. Why?
The garden is an example of the (Dutch) "Decorative Style." In this style, the structures in the garden are an integral part of the garden design. This makes it an important chapter in the history of Dutch garden art. The garden was designed by Leonard Springer and the original design drawings are kept in the national library in Wageningen.

The garden is typical of the early 20th century (Decorative Style) and the following elements are still intact:

• The striking pergola from the main building to the teahouse

• The teahouse itself

• The stairs to the lower terrace

• The terrace with railings

• The square water basin

The fact that all these structures as well as the garden remain largely intact is what makes it so special. Nardinclant is one of the few examples of this decorative garden style that has been well preserved to this day. The garden design and the original list of plants and trees are preserved in Wageningen's library.

WHO FOUNDED NARDINCLANT?
The Nardinclant estate was founded at the turn of the century by Klaas Groesbeek. He is one of the most notable figures in the history of the Dutch bookstore Scheltema, which flourished under his leadership. In addition, he was a successful art dealer. He managed the Amsterdam part of Van Wisselingh and ran an art gallery and craft studio in Amsterdam. He served important clients in the U.S. and Canada; artworks from these collections now hang in prominent museums.

He was also a mentor to many artists. Breitner, for example, was under contract with Groesbeek for more than 30 years, and they were good friends. Small details about their friendship - such as that Breitner asked him for a sponge and soap when he was ill - can be found in letters in Dutch archives. Another protégé was artist Van Disselhof.

WHY 'AMSTERDAMGARDEN'?
Artists, writers and merchants used to build summer houses in 't Gooi, far from Amsterdam, to retire there during the summer. When travel became easier and more affordable, people could go back and forth to Amsterdam daily, and 't Gooi became a commuter region. However, the beautiful gardens and mansions were preserved, so the region came to be known as the "Garden of Amsterdam" - and so Nardinclant became the Amsterdamgarden.

WHY IS IT CALLED NARDINCLANT?
Nardinclant is the medieval name of the region of 't Gooi, where the mansion is located. This prosperous region near Amsterdam was originally called "Naerdinckland" (Nardinclant) and later "Gooiland." So the house is named after the (old) name of the area.

A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION FOR NONS
After Klaas Groesbeek, Nardinclant was purchased by squire Cornelis Röell. At some point the garden of Nardinclant served as a source of inspiration for a religious community. The Sisters of Wisdom bought Nardinclant as accommodation for their order. On August 1, 1958, the chapel and house on Nardinclant was consecrated as a convent for the sisters.

THE FUTURE OF NARDINCLANT
In more recent years, Nardinclant was owned by private families. The current owner dedicates Nardinclant to beauty and shares the beauty with guests who want to stay in peace for privacy reasons.

See you at Nardinclant?