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A country house between the past and the future
A country house between the past and the future
Hilversum, Netherlands
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A country house between the past and the future
Hilversum, Netherlands
Firm
Type
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2026
SIZE
5000 sqft - 10,000 sqft
For this distinctive, historic villa, we delved into the rich history of the house, its residents, and the surrounding area. The “Westerheide” country house was built in 1929, based on a design by the Naarden-based architect K. van de Berg. The house was built in the Interbellum style, which was characteristic of the period and closely related to Dudok’s architecture.
The story begins with the millennia-old burial mounds and the tradition of the Erfgooiers, and unfolds into the arrival of a stately villa for an industrial family in the early twentieth century. The house has had an eventful history, including its own horse circus, a bomb shelter, and residents who managed to escape to America via a safe-conduct during World War II. After a period as a nursing home, the villa eventually returned to its original purpose: a unique residence where history is still palpable and the past serves as inspiration for the future.
Over the decades, the building underwent various alterations—the thatched roof was replaced with clay tiles, and a dormer window and garage door were modified—which partially obscured the original design. Architectural and color research, based on original photographic documentation and stratigraphic color analysis of the facades, window frames, and woodwork, revealed the authentic color palette: sand-colored facades, dark copper-green paint on window frames and doors, and a light, weathered beige shade for the wooden roof moldings and ceilings. Based on these findings, a restoration plan was drawn up to restore the historic building to its former glory in close harmony with its cultural-historical value and the surrounding natural environment, including the reconstruction of the original thatched roof and the entrance area.
While respecting the original design, the historic building has been carefully restored and, at the same time, made future-proof. Historical elements have been preserved and, where necessary, restored to their former glory. For example, the existing steel window frames have been renovated and fitted with high-quality heritage glass; the slate roof has been replaced with a thatched roof as originally designed; and a new addition blends seamlessly with the original architecture in terms of form, materials, and detailing.
During the restoration, a conscious decision was made to use sustainable and natural materials, including wood wool, wood fiber, and Métisse insulation made from cotton, cork, and sheep’s wool. PIR and PUR were excluded at the clients’ express request. The home is fully insulated and equipped with modern, sustainable systems for heating, cooling, and ventilation. In this way, the quality and character of the past come together with the comfort, sustainability, and performance of today.
The interior is characterized by a distinct blend of classic and modern elements that complement each other naturally. Each room has its own theme and character, allowing the home to unfold as a series of distinct atmospheres. A rich diversity of colors, bold wallpaper patterns, textures, and materials gives the spaces a strong identity. The choices of materials and colors are always tailored to the function of the space, with contrasts deliberately used to give the interior character and depth. Classic details are combined with contemporary forms and finishes, creating a dynamic and personal whole. The recurring use of walnut serves as a unifying element: its warm, natural appearance is reflected throughout the home, creating cohesion between the various spaces and themes. The result is an interior that is rich and layered, with plenty of room for contrast and surprise, yet one in which a clear sense of unity and tranquility remains.
The story begins with the millennia-old burial mounds and the tradition of the Erfgooiers, and unfolds into the arrival of a stately villa for an industrial family in the early twentieth century. The house has had an eventful history, including its own horse circus, a bomb shelter, and residents who managed to escape to America via a safe-conduct during World War II. After a period as a nursing home, the villa eventually returned to its original purpose: a unique residence where history is still palpable and the past serves as inspiration for the future.
Over the decades, the building underwent various alterations—the thatched roof was replaced with clay tiles, and a dormer window and garage door were modified—which partially obscured the original design. Architectural and color research, based on original photographic documentation and stratigraphic color analysis of the facades, window frames, and woodwork, revealed the authentic color palette: sand-colored facades, dark copper-green paint on window frames and doors, and a light, weathered beige shade for the wooden roof moldings and ceilings. Based on these findings, a restoration plan was drawn up to restore the historic building to its former glory in close harmony with its cultural-historical value and the surrounding natural environment, including the reconstruction of the original thatched roof and the entrance area.
While respecting the original design, the historic building has been carefully restored and, at the same time, made future-proof. Historical elements have been preserved and, where necessary, restored to their former glory. For example, the existing steel window frames have been renovated and fitted with high-quality heritage glass; the slate roof has been replaced with a thatched roof as originally designed; and a new addition blends seamlessly with the original architecture in terms of form, materials, and detailing.
During the restoration, a conscious decision was made to use sustainable and natural materials, including wood wool, wood fiber, and Métisse insulation made from cotton, cork, and sheep’s wool. PIR and PUR were excluded at the clients’ express request. The home is fully insulated and equipped with modern, sustainable systems for heating, cooling, and ventilation. In this way, the quality and character of the past come together with the comfort, sustainability, and performance of today.
The interior is characterized by a distinct blend of classic and modern elements that complement each other naturally. Each room has its own theme and character, allowing the home to unfold as a series of distinct atmospheres. A rich diversity of colors, bold wallpaper patterns, textures, and materials gives the spaces a strong identity. The choices of materials and colors are always tailored to the function of the space, with contrasts deliberately used to give the interior character and depth. Classic details are combined with contemporary forms and finishes, creating a dynamic and personal whole. The recurring use of walnut serves as a unifying element: its warm, natural appearance is reflected throughout the home, creating cohesion between the various spaces and themes. The result is an interior that is rich and layered, with plenty of room for contrast and surprise, yet one in which a clear sense of unity and tranquility remains.
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