Anyone visiting De Grote Hegge in Thorn will see a place where its history is still evident. The moated farmstead, the courtyard and the surrounding landscape have been part of this area for centuries.
At the same time, De Grote Hegge is developing. Not only is De Grote Hegge a popular venue for private and corporate events, but the site has also recently been officially granted the status of a country estate. This will bring even greater attention to the complex of buildings, grounds and landscape surrounding the castle farm.
The origins of De Grote Hegge date back to the Middle Ages. Historical sources make early mention of an estate on this site, which was linked to the knightly family of Haeck and was subsequently developed further under various owners.
Over the centuries, the complex changed its form and function on several occasions. For a long time, the Grote Hegge was used as a farm and developed into the historic castle farmstead that is still recognisable today.
The building itself also tells that story. The different periods of construction are still evident in the use of marl and brick and in the layout of the farmstead. In addition, part of the old moat surrounding the complex is still visible.
After a period of disuse, De Grote Hegge was restored in the twentieth century and the site was given a new purpose as a venue for meetings and events. This marked the beginning of a new phase in the use of a place that, over the centuries, has been adapted time and again to suit the times.
To this day, that history remains an important part of De Grote Hegge. The historic main building, the courtyard and the surrounding grounds largely define the character of the site.
De Grote Hegge is used for business events, weddings and other gatherings, amongst other things. The historic character of the castle farmstead remains evident, even when the rooms and outdoor areas are set up for contemporary events.
In 2015, De Grote Hegge served as the starting point for the further development of Event Management Group (EMG). Starting from Thorn, EMG has grown into an organisation with multiple event venues, where the preservation of and respect for unique venues go hand in hand with the organisation of special events.
The recent official designation as a country estate marks a new stage in the development of De Grote Hegge. In this context, the focus extends well beyond the buildings alone.
This also brings the area surrounding the castle farmstead more clearly into focus. This is in keeping with the history of De Grote Hegge, in which the farmstead and the surrounding lands functioned as a single entity for a long time.
The landscape has changed significantly over the years. Among other things, sand and gravel extraction in the area has shaped the landscape of the Maasplassen as we know it today. The development of the estate offers an opportunity to take a fresh look at the relationship between the historic site, the surrounding land and the green spaces.
This development does not stop with the estate’s official status. In the coming period, work will continue on the layout and development of the estate, with the nature plan serving as a key foundation. The character of De Grote Hegge is central to this. The historic buildings form the recognisable heart of the site, whilst the surrounding area is also becoming an increasingly integral part of the whole.
In this way, a site with a long history is entering a new phase, with attention being paid to both the existing heritage and the landscape surrounding De Grote Hegge. It also demonstrates that a modern use as an events venue can go hand in hand with preserving its history.
