Country Estate 'Gunterstein'

Along the river Vecht, east of Breukelen, lies country estate Gunterstein. The current Gunterstein was built in 1681 by Magdalena Poulle and dates back to an early 16th-century knight's manor. The interior still contains many original features. Unfortunately, the country house is not open to the public; the surrounding estate has limited access. See more information below.  

Design of the estate
The design for the current country estate was probably made by Adriaan Dortsman. The design is in strict, almost ornamentless classicist style. The proportions are based on those of the golden ratio. The house has remained in the same family through inheritance until now.

The estate
The territory has expanded over time from 35 to 115 ha. Much of the 17th-century layout, except for the sight axes, was transformed into a landscape park designed by J.A. van Lunteren around 1850. The long Gunsterstein avenue, which runs north of the manor house, continues across the Vecht and serves as an axis of view of the church tower.

In front of the house is an estate consisting of an orchard, meadows and a park forest. Also present on the estate are a 1712 sculpture group, a farmhouse with a summerhouse and a hunter's house. The original 17th-century fence was reconstructed in the early 21st century.

The house stands on an island and is connected by a bridge to a forecourt, which is also surrounded by a moat. The bridge is decorated with ornaments in the shape of pretzels. The forecourt contains two building houses, which act as a coach house with stable and orangery.

Open to the public
Access to the park surrounding Gunterstein is limited. The avenues are open to walkers, except in the immediate vicinity of the house, from sunrise to sunset. Dogs are allowed if kept on a leash. Gunterstein's country house itself is not open to the public.