Rusthoven

Rusthoven, located near the Ekenstein estate, is a relatively small manor that appears even smaller due to its tall shape. A piece of sandstone on the east facade tells us that the manor was built in 1686, likely by Johan Eeck. His father, also named Johan, founded Ekenstein half a century earlier.

The Eeck family
This prominent and wealthy family did not reside in the manor for long. Johan Eeck and his wife Clementia Eyckenbergh had no children. Their will specified that the manor would pass to Catharina Maria de Lairesse and, after her death, to Gerhard Schaffer. After this period, Rusthoven frequently changed owners.

Many owners
After Gerhard Schaffer's death, the manor was sold to Wigbolt Aldringa. His mother-in-law, known as the 'Widow Canter', lived there. Wigbolt Aldringa died in 1744, and his daughter Barbera Albertina inherited Rusthoven. She, in turn, exchanged the manor with Wigbolt Gerhard Aldringa in 1752. But because Wigbolt Gerhard inherited the Fromaborg in 1764, he sold Rusthoven once more! Until 1804, the manor regularly changed hands in this manner.

The Sissingh family and the brick factory
In 1804, Rusthoven was sold to Jan Hindrik Sissingh, who established a brick factory and a lime kiln there. The chimney of this factory remained standing until 2013 when it had to be demolished due to the risk of earthquakes. Under Jan Hindrik, the manor acquired its current appearance. It is also presumed that Rusthoven was plastered during this period.

The twentieth century
In 1924, B. van der Veen purchased the brick factory. In 1955, he also acquired the manor, which was under threat of demolition. Van der Veen had the house restored. In 1969, two pillars from the Vredenhoven manor were placed at the entrance. In 1987, Rusthoven underwent a major restoration, during which the plasterwork was removed once again.

The restored garden
In 1990, the garden of the manor was restored by Copijn Utrecht Groenadviseurs BV. However, Rusthoven has a relatively small garden, much smaller than the nearby Ekenstein. The manor is now surrounded by trees that provide shade to the garden and turn it beautifully green in the spring. There is also a lovely landscape surrounding the estate.

The landscape
The estate is surrounded by pastures. From the Eekwerd area, Rusthoven is still visible. Eekwerd used to be a mound over five meters high, which was excavated in 1893. 'Eekwerd' likely means 'oak-covered mound.' Now, it is a pasture with winding rivers and a wealth of birds.