It is a green pearl in Eindhoven that remained hidden from the outside world, but that doesn’t take long. The gates of former Philips estate De Wielewaal will open on 27 September. It was private ownership and remained closed for a wide audience for more than a century. It will soon be possible for everyone to experience what the world looks like behind the meter -high, stately fences.
The estate is three times as large as the Vondelpark in Amsterdam. “It is the first time that we as a municipality open such a piece of land in one go,” says alderman Rik Thijs. The park is only open to visitors between sunrise and sunset. At night the gates are locked and boas walk there. “To not let people disturb the pleasure of others.”
The Wielewaal becomes a public park, but some parts of the estate remain closed to leave nature alone. Mountain bikes, motor vehicles and large events are therefore not allowed. Dogs are welcome, but must stay on a lead.
“You can walk beautifully along ponds, monumental trees, azaleas and rhododendrons,” says Thijs. “With a bit of luck you spot deer, foxes or even a kingfisher. And who knows you might hear the rare bird singing the Wielewaal.”
The De Wielewaal estate was purchased in 1912 by Anton Philips to use as a country retreat. All those years it remained closed to the public. “For many people it is mysterious what that De Wielewaal estate now means,” says Alderman Thijs.
The country house was built in 1934 by order of Frits Philips and was inhabited by him and his family for years. Frits Philips himself stayed there until his death in 2005.
Alderman Rik Thijs already gives a tour of the Wielewaal.
Much of this Philips history can be found on the Wielewaal. “The story goes that Frits Philips started with a beautiful morning ritual every day. Then he drank a cup of tea with the Azalalaantje as a view. I think this will be one of the crowd pullers. Certainly in the spring, when it is in bloom. It is really Eindhoven cultural heritage.”
The municipality of Eindhoven bought the De Wielewaal estate including the country house in 2022 for 29 million euros. The previous owner was allowed to live there until mid -June this year. In recent years, the municipality has ensured that the estate has been made safer and accessible.
Two descendants of the Philips family stay on the estate in two different houses. Fences must ensure that their privacy is not disturbed. Frits Philips Jr. is one of the two. “I have sacred confidence that people respect others in their need for peace, privacy and safety.”
He thinks it is great that the estate will soon be open to everyone. “People literally and figuratively come to the breath of the stormy developments that are going on in the Brainport region.”
Alderman Rik Thijs: “Opening up the estate means more green for Eindhoven to enjoy and recreate, move and relax. That is necessary with a view to the future. The city is growing and there are more and more people. People are not only investing in stones, but also in a green and healthy living environment.”
The natural area with five country houses extends over 144 hectares, about two hundred football fields. It was previously announced that two -star restaurant Tribeca from Heeze will be in the iconic, former country house of Frits Philips.
The plan is that the country house will open its doors for guests in the spring of 2026. A visitor center of Natuurmonumenten must ultimately come to the former gardener’s house.
