There was a lot of activity at the House in Echten yesterday. For the first and last time, the stately country house was open to the public and almost everything was for sale. And with that, a new, accessible garden is suddenly within reach.
About 1,700 interested parties ventured across the threshold into Huis in Echten, which was the domain of healthcare institution Visio for 45 years. People with (often) multiple disabilities lived and worked in and around the manor, but after 45 years this came to an end. The organization is moving to Hoogeveen, where it will move into premises that better meet the care needs. Almost everything that is not moving to the new location was offered for sale during a shopping day.
“And that went very well,” says Hans Scholing, coordinator at Visio. “It was very pleasant. Former employees came by, interested people from the area, but also people who know something about Huis te Echten, but have never been able to look inside. So it was a busy day.”
All those hundreds of bargain hunters have brought one big wish for Visio closer. The new location lacks a beautiful, accessible garden for the blind and partially sighted and people in wheelchairs. The plan is already ready, Scholing explains. “I haven’t seen it myself yet, but we know it will cost about ten thousand euros.”
All money raised from the sale will go towards that cause. And that target amount has been amply achieved, says Scholing. “Almost twelve thousand euros have been raised. That is very nice. We can use that for a beautiful garden, new walkways are already being constructed. And there should also be seats so that people can take a stroll during the afternoon.”
In addition, Scholing is happy that all items that were not moved have been given a new purpose. “It’s nice that all that stuff didn’t have to be thrown away,” he says with satisfaction. Everything was on sale: from old works of art by residents to pans and from stoves to a golf cart.
“All cabinets and chairs that were still usable, but not sold, have been collected by the Dorcas foundation. And whatever is left goes to the landfill.”
Construction of the new garden should begin this spring. The fact that it is now really over in Echten gives Scholing mixed feelings. “We had a very nice time here and were very lucky that we could stay here for so long. But now this location is too luxurious for us and we get a very nice location in Hoogeveen in return.”