Amanda and I were recently invited to spend a night at Château St. Gerlach, part of the Oostwegel Collection. At this Valkenburg estate, centuries-old history, nature and hospitality merge. The Oostwegel Collection is known for restoring historic properties and giving them new life, and Château St Gerlach is a great example. The former Norbertine monastery and surrounding tenant farms have been carefully preserved and are now open to guests who want to enjoy a luxurious stay in Limburg.
Spending the night in a château - Arrival and first impression
On arrival, we were warmly welcomed and shown to our room. The rooms at Château St. Gerlach combine historical details, such as marlstone walls, with modern amenities, including a generous bathroom and comfortable beds. From our room, we had views of the surrounding greenery. The hotel offers extensive facilities such as a wellness area with pool and sauna, where you can relax after a walk around the estate. There are also lounges and a garden where you can read quietly.
Director Bastiaan Klomp shares his stories - Guided tour of the estate
That afternoon, we were given a tour of the estate by director Bastiaan Klomp, who knew every stone, tree and building. He told us about the history of the Norbertine monastery, the post building and the role of Saint Gerlachus, the hermit who made the area a place of pilgrimage in the 12th century. We walked past the old tenant farms and learned about the tenant farmers who used to work for the baron. Bastiaan pointed out details such as the seal with three jackdaws, the Via Belgica running through the park and the use of marl as a building material. The stories highlighted how the estate combines historical significance with modern hospitality.
Local products from the estate - Vineyard and kitchen garden
The estate has a vineyard and an extensive kitchen garden where vegetables, herbs and fruit are grown. Kitchen garden manager Elena showed us how the produce goes to the kitchen of Les Salons every day. Honey from the beehives is also produced here and used in dishes. Among other things, the vineyard produces Pinot Gris from St Martinus, a local wine served in the restaurant. It is special to see how the estate combines sustainability and local production, and how guests can directly taste what grows here.
Dinner at Les Salons - History and gastronomy meet
In the evening, we dined at Les Salons, named after the succession of former baron's salons. Chef Guido Le Bron de Vexela puts locally grown, seasonal vegetables at the heart of his dishes. His aim is to make a positive impact on both the guest experience and the estate. We were treated to Dutch Yellowtail Kingfish with cream of fermented vegetables, herb vinaigrette and vegetarian dashi, followed by veal tenderloin from Margraten with beetroot, potato and red wine sauce, and for dessert, caramelised figs from our own garden, fig leaf panna cotta and pistachio crumble.
Before dinner, Bastiaan told about the famous bullet hole in a mirror, created during the Houthem-Case of 1944, a tangible reminder of the liberation of South Limburg and the role of African-American soldiers.
Breakfast and coffee in the rose garden - Start of the day with a view of the garden
The next morning we started the day with breakfast in the hotel breakfast room, where large windows overlooked one of the gardens surrounding the château. The buffet included fresh bread, fruit, yoghurt, apple juice and honey from the hotel's own beehives. After breakfast, we decided to explore the estate further and took a cup of coffee to the rose garden, a quiet place to start the morning. From here you overlook the extensive gardens and park of Château St Gerlach.
Walking through nature and orchards - Discover a piece of Limburg
After breakfast, we took a walk through the surrounding nature. Along the paths of the estate, you walk past the fruit orchard, where apples, plums and pears hang from the trees. The bee colonies that pollinate the blossoms are everywhere, creating a vibrant ecosystem. It is a great way to explore the area, enjoy fresh air and the autumn colours. For hikers and nature lovers, the area also offers connections to the Pieterpad and other routes. Walk along river Kleine Geul and who knows, you might spot Konik horses, Heck cattle or even wild boars.
Tips for an affordable stay - Luxury close to home
We understand that a stay at Château St. Gerlach is an investment. Yet there are ways to make it more accessible. By booking during the week, you often benefit from lower rates. Plus, it feels like a piece of France close to home: you save travel time and travel costs, while still getting a luxurious experience. Combining an overnight stay with lunch or dinner makes the stay easy to plan within a smaller budget.
A stay at Château St. Gerlach leaves a lasting impression. From the welcome, the room and wellness facilities to the tour, dinner at Les Salons and walks around the estate. Amanda and I left the château feeling that we had not just spent a night, but experienced a piece of Limburg history. For lovers of slow travel, local produce and a quiet, luxurious experience, Château St Gerlach is a place you won't soon forget.
Love,
This travel inspiration is made possible by Château St. Gerlach - Oostwegel Collection.
Château St. Gerlach is located in Houthem, which is part of the municipality of Valkenburg aan de Geul in South Limburg. The estate is located in the Ingendael nature reserve, between Maastricht and Valkenburg. Maastricht is about a ten-minute drive from the hotel.
The estate is home to Restaurant Les Salons, Château St. Gerlach's fine dining restaurant. There is also Burgemeester Quicx, an informal bistro and coffee bar for lunch, pastries and light dishes. There is also the Sint Gerlach Pavilion, which is used for lunch, dinner and events.
The Spa & Wellness St. Gerlach has an indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam bath. Various massages are offered, such as relaxation massages and hot stone treatments. In addition, facials and extensive body rituals are available.
