Historic castle with a contemporary edge in Dutch country side
Pillows Château de Raay / Barloo / Netherlands
When living in the Netherlands I came across this local hotel chain that I had never heard of before. It is called Pillows and has 3 hotels in Belgium and 5 in the Netherlands. After having had the opportunity to stay at a couple of their hotels I would say that their signature is well-designed spaces with a sense of discreet luxury.
This Pillows hotel is called Charme Hotel Châtaeu De Raay (yes, it is a mouthful…). And if you have some basic French knowledge you have probably figured out that this hotel is situated in an old castle. Not one of those extravagant buildings with towers and a moat but a more subtle, pared down kind of castle dating back to the 13th century. It is located just outside the small village of Baarlo, right by the Dutch/German border.
So what is so great about this hotel? I would say the calmness. You park the car and the tranquility embraces you. It is almost like you start speaking in a lower tone and walk with a slower pace.
The rooms are either in the old castle or in the garden. We stayed in the castle. I couldn’t resist the high ceilings, the squeaky old stairs, marble floors and exposed beams. I think they have done a great job preserving the historic when bringing this old castle into the 21st century.
Welcome to Pillows Château de Raay!
Castles come in many different shapes and sizes. This one is more on the subtle side.
How about this reception? Love how the interior has been created without ruining the heritage. And I just have to mention the floors. Love them!
Old meets new when contemporary light fixtures are brought in and are matched with ancient marble floors.
I am such a fan of these old wooden staircases and the squeaky sound it omits with every step you take. Impossible to sneak in our out without being noticed.
This is a castle after all…
Our room was all white which made the exposed wooden beams stand out even more.
It is an art form to refurbish something so it feels fresh but at the same time feels old, ut this was totally the case with our bathroom.
There are a lot of different spaces at the castle where you can hang out and relax. And maybe get something to drink from this statement bar.
Modern and classic at the same time.
I love myself a good hotel shop. M is looking for something to bring back home.
I recommend to borrow one of the hotel bikes and head out on a ride around the area. This is a very green and rural part of the Netherlands.
The castle gardens is lovely and if the weather permits, its great to sit outside by the pond with a book and a drink.
RG inside info
This place is perfect if you…
…are looking for a calm place. A hotel where you can come to relax, eat good food, read in the garden and wander through the beautiful forest that is just outside the castle gate.
My favorite thing about this place…
…is how old and authentic everything is. We stayed in one of the castle rooms and everything was squeaky, a little crooked and with heaps of patina - the real kind. I love how this makes the mind wander, thinking about how life was here back in the 14th century or the 17th century…
What not to miss when staying here is…
…to bring some running (or walking if that is more your thing) shoes. The park/forest next to the hotel is beautiful and a real treat in a country where forests aren’t that common. There are some marked hiking trails, perfect way to build up your appetite before dinner.
If you like this hotel you might also like…
Castle Leslie, Glaslough, Ireland
Wanås Slott, Knisslinge, Sweden
Parc Broekhuizen, Leersum, Netherlands
