7 dream destinations
Sometimes you just want something out of the ordinary. Behind every door lies a story. Sleeping in a unique accommodation can be just as memorable as the journey itself. In Hart van Limburg, you can spend the night in places with a past, where once prayers echoed through convent halls, inmates dreamt of freedom, and love had a price. Explore these 7 special overnight stays, and book your next remarkable getaway.
1. Het Arresthuis – Roermond
From 1863 onwards, this was where thieves, smugglers and shady characters were locked up. Cell doors slammed shut, keys turned, freedom was a fading memory. For over 150 years, this national monument on Pollartstraat was a place no one entered by choice. That changed in 2007, when the last prisoner left. Since 2011, this former prison has taken on a new role as a luxury hotel.
Now, you'll be happy to be locked in. At the five-star Hotel Het Arresthuis, spending the night is no punishment it’s a privilege.
2. B&B De Mouttoren – Weert
This tower was nearly demolished. Fifty years after the brewery closed, plans were in place for a residential high-rise. But the Mouttoren stood its ground, a relic from the time when Wertha beer was brewed right here.
The original staircase is still intact, as are the silo hatches, pulley system and grain chute. A glass panel lets you peek inside one of the four silos this building once operated. Downstairs, the Wertha Museum now welcomes visitors with a tasting room. At the top: a luxurious B&B. Spend the night in this piece of industrial heritage and drift off into another era.
3. B&B Katoo – Linne
By day, the Rijksweg through Linne was just another provincial road. But in the evenings of the 1980s and 90s, it told a different story. This was the Reeperbahn of Central Limburg, with more than ten pleasure houses, glittery dresses behind lit windows and names like Brigitte Privé, La Ville Blanche and Lucky 13, each hinting at temptation.
One of them was the Party Farm. A club that closed in 2007 and stood abandoned for ten years. Until 2017, when the current owners bought the building and spent three years transforming it from brothel to B&B. The glitter is gone, the stories remain. And yes, you’re welcome to ask about them, the hosts are happy to share. After all, you can now proudly say you’ve been to a brothel… to sleep.
4. Estate Frymerson – Sint Odiliënberg
Most people know architect Dr. Pierre Cuypers from the Rijksmuseum or Amsterdam Central Station. But how many realise that, in 1863, he also designed a country house in Sint Odiliënberg for the Zantis de Frymerson family? The castle that once stood nearby shifted over the centuries quite literally. The first version was located further northeast by the Roer river, but time and water made rebuilding inevitable.
Fancy a stay surrounded by layers of history? Today, part of the estate is open for overnight guests. The tower still stands tall. Even the old doghouse, the only one in Limburg with official monument status is still there.
5. B&B Den Engel – Neer
Almost 150 years ago, four sisters of the first hour opened a small nursery school on Engelmanstraat in Neer. Their mission: to care for and educate young children, usually between the ages of 3 and 6. After more than 35 years, the nuns moved on and the building was taken over by Frits. What he did here can hardly be summed up in one sentence: tailor, sacristan, bicycle dealer, repairman, organist, choir director, even printer of memorial cards.
In the 1980s, a new chapter began for this beautiful building. It was transformed into B&B Den Engel. Since 2019, the current owners have run it with care and respect, honouring the past, while giving the house a new heartbeat.
Let yourself be surprised by Hoppy Haven, a local beer brewed exclusively for the Bed & Brew by host Pascal. A tasteful reminder of a place where history, hospitality and enjoyment come together.
When will you spend the night?
6. Philomenahoeve – Nederweert-Eind
More than 11,000 years ago, prehistoric hunters sat here around a campfire. We know this thanks to archaeological excavations. What they didn’t know, was that one day a farmhouse would be built on this spot. That, during World War II, people would hide here in secret. And certainly not that, a century later, travellers would come here by choice.
The Philomenahoeve recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. A full century in which this charming building witnessed generations pass by. A place where war and peace, hardship and joy have gone hand in hand. Since May 2016, the left wing of the house has been transformed into a beautiful holiday home, lovingly restored while preserving original features wherever possible. With five bedrooms and two bathrooms, it’s perfect for up to eight adults and several children, a peaceful stay steeped in history.
7. De Lommerbergen – Reuver
In 1968, a little-known chapter of holiday history was written in Reuver. Piet Derksen, owner of the Sporthuis Centrum chain, bought a forest near the town. Not to expand his stores, but to try something new: he pitched tents there and rented them out to staff and customers. The idea took off. Soon, the tents were replaced by bungalows.
Architect Jaap Bakema designed them with sliding doors and as much greenery in view as possible. Colour TVs, central heating, bathrooms with tubs – this was luxury at the time. Thus, the very first holiday bungalow park in the Netherlands was born, right here in Reuver.
Today, the park is part of Landal GreenParks and even houses a VVV inspiration point. Come stay in one of the modernised bungalows and enjoy a holiday in the place where it all began.
