De Bult brings together a country estate of cultural and historical significance and a landscape made tangible through its park features and a signposted hiking route. Two main attractions can help you plan your visit: the historic park design and architectural history, and a longer hike. Each offers a different focus for your stay.
Historic Country Estate and Park
The historic country estate of De Bult includes a modest country house, built in 1798. As a culturally and historically significant example of a small, well-preserved country estate, it has a landscaped setting dating from around 1800. This means two closely related dates sit side by side: the country house dates from 1798, while the estate’s design is dated to around 1800.
The park has a gently undulating lawn with a circular path, joined by winding paths. A small pond lies to the west of the lawn; an old orchard and a garden wall are located along the southern edge of the park. The country house, paths and varied garden features also make the estate interesting to travelers keen on the interplay between architecture and landscape design.
Landscape and a Long History
De Bult is part of the upland area and the glacial moraine ridges around Steenwijk. These ridges form the natural boundary of the Weerribben-Wieden area. Thus, the history of the country estate is complemented by its regional landscape context: the moraine ridges shape the area’s natural setting.
The history of settlement in the De Bult–Eesveen area goes back to prehistoric times. There are burial mounds at Eese, and an Iron Age wheel was also found in the area. A castle dating from 1619 stands in the Eese area and still offers a romantic sight. The Lordship of Eese lies on the borders of the provinces of Overijssel, Drenthe and Friesland. The region’s history thus brings together prehistoric traces, an Iron Age find and a 17th-century building.
Compare Hikes and Routes
The De Bult–Eesveen area has the 13.5 km NS wandeling Woldberg hiking route. It leads through woodland around Woldberg and Steenwijk, up Woldberg and across the De Eese estate. Check the latest route information before setting out, as trail conditions may change.
At 40 km, the Weldadig Rondje is considerably longer. It is marked with special signs, can be started at any junction and leads back to the starting point. The factors to consider when choosing this route differ from those for the Woldberg hike: in addition to its greater overall distance, the option to start at a junction and the return to the starting point are specifically described.
The Vestingroute Steenwijk offers a different historical perspective. Signs along the route provide information about the city’s fortification history. Steenwijk took its present form in the 15th century and was shaped by eight bastions around 1600. The city’s history therefore offers a distinct focus alongside the landscape-oriented Woldberg hike.
Accommodation for Groups
Residence de Eese offers group accommodation for groups of 12 to 28 people. To choose, you can first check your group size against this capacity range and then confirm the booking details.
Discover more destinations: Giethoorn, Sint Jansklooster, Steenwijk, Paasloo, Belt-Schutsloot, Kallenkote, Scheerwolde, Vollenhove.
For the overview of the wider area: Steenwijkerland.
