[by Marjolein] Yes, we have our own Central Park in Holland. In Voorburg, next to The Hague. Not a park but a lovely mansion surróunded by a park. This area was the place for wealthy citizens to build summer residences from the 17th century onwards. The Central Park mansion, now a 14 room boutique hotel plus restaurant, started life listening to the name ‘Vreugd & Rust’ (joy & peace) in 1751.
Voorburg was home to famous statesman/poet Constantijn Huygens, his son the brilliant scientist Christiaan Huygens and philosopher Baruch de Spinoza. To name a few.
For history-freaks: click here for full history of the house. Back to the present: let’s do dinner, bed & breakfast.
Central Park hotel room & dinner
The monumental staircase take us to our Royal Suite on the first floor. The garden view is grand and the ceiling is high. Center stage takes the king size Hästens Vividus bed. This bed looks more than tempting, but it’s dinner time first.
The dining room is buzzing on this Friday night. We opt for a 4-course Chef’s Menu with wine-pairing. No driving tonight.
Dinner starts Instagram-worthy: sea bass and sweet & sour vegetables. Dressed up with dashi, sesame and soy for an oriental touch. The Grüner Veltliner by Rabl complements the taste. The next courses – nicely sized portions – are just as original and tasty.
After a tangerine curd with limoncello mousse accompanied by a small glass of Vistamar Moscatel we call it a night. But not after thanking the well-informed and genuinely friendly service staff.
Hästens bed & Central Park hotel breakfast
I must admit this is my first time sleeping on a Hästens bed. It turns out we have the top-of-the-line version in our suite: the Vividus bed. Think 210 kgs of natural materials and 320 man hours of craftmanship. Impressive.
The bed skirt is not in the familiar blue & white checkered fabric (celebrating its 40th birthday this year, btw), but an elegant beige & white version. Like that! We at Chapter Fifty also embrace the fact that the – sixth generation – company only uses ethically sourced, sustainable materials. Flax, wool, cotton, Swedish pine and hypoallergenic horsehair. Same goes for the matching satin pure bed linen, it has all the eco stamps available.
After a great night sleep we enjoy breakfast in the garden room, doors open for a hint of fresh air. Buffet style with fresh fruits for me and freshly brewed coffee.
Loved our little staycation in style together with my husband. The luxury way to test out a new bed. Is it a coincidence then that I woke up – very very well rested – the next morning, remembering a fun dream of my heroine Pippi Langstrumpf? File this one under sweet Swedish dreams.
disclaimer
My stay at Central Park Voorburg was by invitation on behalf of Chapter Fifty. We only accept invites or collabs that answer positive to the question: “does it match our lifestyle?”. We will not promote anything that we would not wear, where we would not eat, sleep or see ourselves. Authenticity is very important to us. Words, photos and opinions are our own.
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