The Mastboomhuis
The ‘Mastboomhuis’ in Oud Gastel (NL) is a house, formerly of a Mayor and dating from 1874. Henry Mastboom, the last inhabitant died in 1999. He spent his whole life in this house and held on to his parents’ way of life. Essentially nothing was changed by him in the interior. Maintenance he restricted to the most necessary. He bequeathed the house to the Mastboom-Brosens foundation.
In 2005 the board made the choice for a complete conservation following the english method known as suspended decay. Arjan Oosterhof, architect from The Hague led the restoration. The wallpaper, furniture, clothes and all kinds of objects were documented, conserved and stored temporarily. After the restoration of the house itself everything was replaced in its original position. This way the Mastboomhuis kept its atmosphere of the time it was inhabited.
In 2016 a new presentation was made. Approach and design serve to support the unique qualities of the house. A reception room was equipped by René Pijnenburg. Information is offered by means of video programs and a smartguide. ‘’Tegen de tijd’ (time on hold) is a booklet with background information. Its graphic design is by Béla Szigmond and Ton Homburg. The photography by Frans Strous typifies the ambiance to the smallest detail.
Mastboomhuis
Dorpsstraat 42-44, Oud Gastel
Visit: April-October: each Sunday 01:00-05:00 p.m.
Other days on request.
Photos: Frans Strous, Arjan Oosterhof