Voorstonden

Voorstonden is a rural hamlet near Oeken and Tonden with farmhouses scattered along Windheuvelstraat and a historic estate house surrounded by parkland. The grounds contain forest paths, ponds, and bridges that form the main attractions for visitors walking through the area.

Huis Voorstonden began as a medieval estate and underwent major renovations over the centuries as the landowners adapted to changing times. The 19th-century redesign of the grounds marked a shift toward making the property a designed landscape rather than just a working farm.

The estate grounds show how 19th-century Dutch landscape design shaped the village, with pathways and water features that visitors can explore today. The park arrangement reflects ideas about connecting buildings to nature that remain visible in the layout.

Multiple walking routes lead through the grounds, with paths suitable for different fitness levels and accessibility needs. The area is well-maintained and can be explored year-round, though spring and summer offer the best views of the landscaping and water features.

The grounds contain a giant coast redwood tree planted in 1865 that remains one of the largest examples of this species in the Netherlands. This tree reflects the 19th-century interest of wealthy landowners in cultivating exotic plants from distant lands.