Rust en Vreugd Foundation wins Wassenaar Monument Prize 2025

During the annual Open Monuments evening on Wednesday, September 10, the Wassenaar Monument Prize 2025 was awarded to the Rust en Vreugd Foundation. The foundation was one of three nominees and was chosen by the committee for its impressive commitment to the preservation, restoration and public accessibility of the Rust en Vreugd estate. The award was presented by Margaret baroness de Vos van Steenwijk-Groeneveld, committee member and initiator of the Monument Award. Mayor Leendert de Lange explained in a presentation why precisely this foundation more than deserved the prize.

Heritage that is alive and well

Rust en Vreugd estate has been a national monument since 2008 and is part of the historic estates zone in South Holland. It forms a green connection between The Hague and Leiden, with a history dating back to 1754. In recent years, the foundation has devoted itself to an exemplary restoration of the estate. Thanks to thorough garden history research and close cooperation with heritage specialists and stewards, paths, sightlines and oak avenues have been restored to their former glory. Hundreds of trees and shrubs have also been planted, making the original landscape structure visible and livable again.

Sustainable management and open to all

What makes this estate special is that its heritage is not only preserved, but also actively shared with the public. The estate is open to visitors year-round and attracts hikers, recreationalists and nature lovers from inside and outside Wassenaar. With each season, the estate shows a different face: from blossoms in spring to falling acorns and warm autumn colors in autumn. Thus Rust en Vreugd connects nature, culture and history in a way that appeals to the imagination.

Mayor Leendert de Lange: "This foundation not only preserves heritage, but also opens it to anyone who wants to enjoy this unique place in Wassenaar. Rust en Vreugd is thus an inspiring example for the whole of the Netherlands."

Example of vision and collaboration

The quality of restoration and management is the result of good cooperation and shared vision. The restoration of the Rust en Vreugd estate came about through a fine collaboration between the foundation, the municipality and the National Cultural Heritage Agency. The Rust en Vreugd Foundation carries out the management independently, with support from the Province of South Holland through the Heritage Line.

Alderman Cultural Heritage Ronald Zoutendijk adds, "Rust en Vreugd shows how nature, heritage and engagement come together in one project. It is good to see how professionally, in close cooperation with the municipality and the State, this estate is being managed."

Lasting value for the future

The award of the Monument Prize 2025 officially recognizes the work of the Rust en Vreugd Foundation as an inspiring example of heritage management. Its efforts ensure that the story of the estate is preserved and that future generations can continue to experience this unique piece of Wassenaar.