Visiting a castle with André Rieu
A Maastricht castle that has gained worldwide fame as André Rieu's home base is De Torentjes opposite St Peter's Church 'upstairs'. The French-style building regularly features in André Rieu's video productions and photos. Time for a closer look.
It seems like André Rieu has always lived in a castle, but that is not the case. The moment the De Torentjes castle in the Sint Pieter district of Maastricht came up for sale and André Rieu was already on a successful career, he and his wife Majorie were able to buy it.
History - of the castle
The castle dates from the early 16th century and was built by canon Nicolaes Beyssel. But there was already a small castle here in the 13th century, which was demolished afterwards. In The Siege of Maastricht, it was heavily damaged and then rebuilt - by Beyssel - using mainly marlstone, which still defines its character today. The story goes that the famous French musketeer d'Artagnan once enjoyed breakfast there. A few hours later, he fell at the gates of the city.
In the 20th century, the castle was divided into two halves, with a wall crosswise through the front and back, so that several families could live in it. 'We are happy that we were able to restore the castle to its former state,' says Marjorie Rieu.
The interior
It is mainly André who is concerned with design and infill. 'I've always been interested in architecture and building. So here I have been able to indulge a bit,' the musician says with a laugh.
While the upper floors were furnished as offices - around 20 people work there today - the ground floor was set up, among other things, to receive people and make television recordings. On the east side, for instance, there is a room with a long conference table by the authentic fireplace. The shades of brown, yellow and red suit the castle's character.
The two connected lounges on the west side, adjacent to the courtyard, are very brightly decorated in a mix of Austrian, Bavarian and Venetian atmospheres. Including an ornate oval table with a tablecloth depicting musical instruments. With ornaments on the walls and baroque furniture. There is no designer involved, most of it André himself came up with. 'And I love gold leaf, so that's used a lot here.'
"I have always been interested in architecture and building. So here I was able to indulge a bit "
Eye-catching are the two paintings of André and Marjorie in their younger years. Shiny silk curtains complete the picture. From these rooms, you can overlook the fountain outside and the large orangery André had built after the French example, with tropical birds and plants in it. 'Yes, another dream I was able to give space to.'
The courtyard
From the courtyard you have a nice view of St Peter's church 'upstairs'. And passing under a gate, you enter a larger piece of garden with a view of the Meuse on the other side. At the edge there is a stone corridor with arches, like a monastery, as if you were in ancient Italy. Outside, there are many more flowers than inside. André Rieu loves flowers.
