Tongeren, Estate and rural settlement in Epe, Netherlands.
Tongeren is an estate and rural settlement in Epe, Netherlands, sprawling across approximately 500 hectares of forest, heathland, and farmland. A network of cycling and walking paths connects through the wooded areas and open landscapes, with some sections reserved for wildlife.
The settlement has roots reaching back to 1025, while the estate as it exists today took shape in the late 1700s under Nicolaas Wilhem de Meester, who was mayor of Harderwijk. The union of medieval origins and later countryside development shaped the landscape visitors see.
In 1867, the estate established a school that provided education to children from surrounding areas, preceding national compulsory education by several decades.
Cycling and walking paths are well-marked and pass through varied landscapes, allowing visitors to choose routes based on their interests and available time. Some areas are closed for wildlife protection, so sticking to designated trails helps preserve the natural environment.
A former schoolhouse from the 1800s now houses Intraverte, an organization supporting children with movement and behavioral development. This repurposing demonstrates how buildings tied to the area's educational past continue to serve community needs.
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