I am a true romantic at heart! This has allowed me to fulfill my ultimate childhood dream: owning my own design hotel (and restaurants) and striking a balance between living abroad and in the Netherlands. Moreover, I am incredibly proud of my daughters: Olivia and Lizzie.

When I was a little girl, I collected miniature perfume bottles, miniature designer shoes, sugar packets and I was fascinated by high-end patisserie. I can actually say that I still do this, but on a much larger scale now!

My husband and I run 9 completely different hospitality businesses. My fascination with unique collections can be found throughout all of our establishments.

But indeed, the Cake Room in the Regent’s Room of the Weeshuis has become an absolute Afternoon Tea Heaven! We are specialized in Afternoon Tea’s and soon we will launce a new Limited Edition (That’s why I met Jill).

Boutique Hotel Relais & Châteaux Weeshuis Gouda (WSHS) also offers fine dining. Last year, we received a Michelin star at our restaurant LIZZ(*). We also have a Coffee, Cocktail & Champagne bar, called COCO. And YES!, of course, you can experience a truly special wedding with us, as my romantic heart naturally wanted to make this a reality!

Are there any unique elements in the design or concept of your spaces that you believe set them apart? 

I believe you can truly feel the genuine passion for distinctive concepts in all our businesses.

Because I have always been captivated by the fascination and magic that surrounds iconic hotels. There’s something truly enchanting about places where history, elegance, and storytelling come together. My obsession with these extraordinary spaces has been a constant source of inspiration in everything I do.

The transformation of our 500-year-old monastery and Orphanage into a one-of-a-kind luxury boutique hotel is a reflection of this passion.

As I always say, “Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it!” This belief has guided me to create an environment where guests can feel the magic of history come to life, making each stay an unforgettable experience.

Every design choice, every piece of interior decor, has been carefully selected to preserve its heritage while adding a touch of modern-day magic.

Tableware plays a crucial role in the overall experience of an evening. Whether it’s at our fine dining restaurant, LIZZ (*) where the standards are incredibly high and every second, every day, everything must be flawless, or in our CakeRoom, where guests come for an overwhelming Afternoon Tea experience—tableware is at the heart of it all.

The linnen, plates, glasses, and cutlery are not just functional; they are essential in telling the story you want to convey. They add a layer of sophistication and character to the setting, enhancing the guest’s experience. With the right tableware, you can elevate the atmosphere and truly set yourself apart, making each moment more memorable.

We are excited to announce that we will soon be launching our latest Afternoon Tea, inspired by iconic women who have elevated pearls into an art form! Pearls, as gifts from nature and timeless fashion statements, have been our muse for this upcoming experience.

While the theme remains a secret for now, our pâtisserie team is hard at work crafting the most delicious pastries and creating beautiful, artistic shapes that will make this Afternoon Tea truly stand out. Get ready for an unforgettable experience where every detail is a celebration of elegance and taste!

It’s no coincidence that Jill, the Lepelclub, and I and Weeshuis Gouda (WSHS) have crossed paths—we have something truly special in store. It’s something our followers are going to absolutely love and enjoy! Stay tuned for more!