Hendrik Copijn’s Terrace Gardens: The Landscape Design Story Behind Groot Warnsborn

Set just minutes from Arnhem and surrounded by 750 hectares of protected woodland, Landgoed Groot Warnsborn is defined by a rare horticultural treasure: Hendrik Copijn’s Terrace Gardens. These English terrace gardens—authentically replanted and unique in the Netherlands—unfold below the estate’s historic Oranjerie, offering layered vistas, seasonal interest, and a living lesson in landscape craft that today’s guests can still explore up close.

The legacy of Hendrik Copijn’s Terrace Gardens

Hendrik Copijn was a Dutch landscape architect whose work at Groot Warnsborn laid the foundations for the estate’s English-style terraces. In landscape design, English terrace gardens typically step down in gentle levels, shaping views and creating a graceful transition from architecture to nature. They’re celebrated for:

• Sightlines and vistas that draw the eye from formal spaces to broader scenery
• Subtle level changes that add drama without overpowering the setting
• Textural planting that complements hardscape rhythm and the surrounding woodland

At Groot Warnsborn, Copijn’s approach anchors the entire experience of arrival and outlook: terraces guide your gaze, the architecture frames the scene, and the wider estate completes the composition.

What makes Groot Warnsborn’s terrace gardens unique

• Authentically replanted: The English terrace gardens have been restored to their authentic character, preserving Copijn’s intent.
• Unique in the Netherlands: Their combination of English terracing and heritage context makes them singular within the country.
• Oranjerie vantage: Built around 1880 and now fully restored, the Oranjerie overlooks the gardens and embodies their dialogue between architecture and landscape.

A terrace-side landmark: the Oranjerie

The Oranjerie serves as a focal point and vantage over the terraces. It’s ideally suited to large gatherings and includes two adjoining spaces—the Druivenkas and the Orchideeënkas—that work beautifully as breakout areas.

• For weddings, the Oranjerie is offered on an exclusive-use basis for receptions.
• Groot Warnsborn is officially recognised as a civil wedding venue (huis der gemeente), allowing couples to hold their legal ceremony on-site.

How guests experience the gardens today

One of the pleasures of staying at or visiting Groot Warnsborn is how easy it is to step from stately interiors directly into designed nature:

• Freely explore the estate’s landscaped terrace gardens during your stay.
• Wander from the terraces into 750 hectares of monument-listed woodland.
• Make the most of on-site bicycle rental and the cycling and walking routes that start at the estate.
• Join estate-led activities, from a guided Whisky Walk (starting at €25.00 per person) to the Big 5 of Warnsborn nature experience, or opt for a relaxed Klootschieten workshop (about two hours, from €30 per group).

Heritage meets responsible hospitality

Groot Warnsborn’s commitment to stewardship supports the long life of its gardens and forests:

• The estate holds Green Key GOLD status (awarded December 2024) for comprehensive sustainability efforts.
• Single-use plastics have been phased out in favour of bulk dispensers and products in cardboard or glass, with breakfast items sourced in large containers to minimise waste.
• Since February 2026, guests can use eight on-site EV charging stations.

These measures complement the care invested in conserving the terraces and the surrounding landscape.

Events with a garden atmosphere: weddings, meetings, and private dining

• Weddings: Celebrate with an exclusive-use Oranjerie reception and legal ceremony on the estate. A dedicated Bridal Suite is available, and the historic 18th-century Gewelvenkelder can host parties and informal gatherings.
• Private Dining: Mark special moments with tailored private dining experiences on the estate.
• Corporate gatherings: Combine setting and substance with six dedicated meeting rooms (for 2–125 guests), or opt for the Oranjerie for larger corporate meetings and conferences. The Druivenkas and Orchideeënkas serve as convenient breakout spaces.
• Boardroom comforts: The Lichtenbeek and Westerheide boardrooms offer free high-speed Wi‑Fi, quality coffee service, luxury wine options, and a private terrace for breaks.
• Meet and stay: Choose Vergaderen met overnachting arrangements that pair equipped meeting spaces with on-site accommodation.

Dining and staying on the estate

• Restaurant La Belle Source: Headed by Chef Niek Bezuijen, the restaurant focuses on creative cuisine with fresh ingredients largely sourced from the estate. It’s ranked among the 500 best restaurants in the Netherlands and holds a 2026 Gault&Millau score of 14/20 with two chef’s hats. Open Thursday to Monday; closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
• Brasserie de Bron and Bar de Bron: From relaxed dining to an evening cocktail, Bar de Bron features an extensive cocktail list, three proprietary Groot Warnsborn Gins, mocktails, and bites.
• High Tea: A dedicated High Tea service invites slow afternoons after a garden stroll.
• Rooms & suites: Choose among Luxe Rooms, Superior Rooms (approx. 35 m², separate sitting area; bath and separate shower; tea and coffee facilities; complimentary Wi‑Fi), Warnsborn Suites (spacious with an open sitting area and usually a French balcony or terrace overlooking the estate), Comfort Rooms, Junior Suites, and a Bridal Suite. Every one of the estate’s 40 rooms is individually styled.

Design lovers will also appreciate the contrast between buildings: rooms in the manor house embrace a rustic, classic, romantic style, while the coach house offers spacious Scandinavian design with abundant natural light.

Plan your visit: practical info

• Address: Bakenbergseweg 277, 6816 VP Arnhem, Netherlands (about five minutes from Arnhem city).
• Breakfast: Monday–Friday 07:00–10:00; Saturday–Sunday 08:00–10:30.
• Transport & access: On-site EV charging is available; see the estate’s Routebeschrijving and Plattegrond for directions and wayfinding.
• Things to do nearby: Explore Burgers’ Zoo, the Dutch Open-Air Museum, and Arnhem city centre. Culture lovers can also visit the Airborne Museum and the Kröller‑Müller Museum in National Park De Hoge Veluwe.
• Services: Book directly via the website’s Direct Boeken option, schedule an appointment to tour the estate, request an event quotation, or purchase gift vouchers.
• Contact: +31 (0)26‑4455751 | info@grootwarnsborn.nl

FAQs about Hendrik Copijn’s Terrace Gardens

Who designed the terrace gardens at Groot Warnsborn?

Hendrik Copijn, Dutch landscape architect, laid out the estate’s English terrace gardens.

Can guests visit the terrace gardens?

Yes. Guests are welcome to explore the landscaped terrace gardens during their stay.

What makes these gardens special?

They are authentically replanted and considered unique in the Netherlands.

Where can I best view the terraces?

The historic Oranjerie overlooks the English terrace gardens.

Are weddings held with garden access?

Yes. Wedding receptions take place in the Oranjerie on an exclusive-use basis, and the estate is officially recognised as a civil wedding venue.

Practical takeaways

• Build your itinerary around the Oranjerie to experience the terraces’ best vistas.
• Pair a garden stroll with High Tea, or dine at La Belle Source (Thu–Mon) to extend the sense of place.
• Book a Whisky Walk (from €25.00 p.p.) or the Big 5 of Warnsborn experience to connect the gardens with the wider estate.
• Use on-site bike rental and bring comfortable walking shoes to explore terraces and woodland routes.
• Planning a wedding or event? Consider the Oranjerie’s exclusive-use setting, with the Druivenkas and Orchideeënkas as breakout spaces, and ask about Vergaderen met overnachting if you’re hosting a multi-day meeting.
• Arriving by EV? Take advantage of the estate’s eight charging stations.

Conclusion: Step into a living design story

Hendrik Copijn’s Terrace Gardens at Groot Warnsborn are more than a historic feature—they are a living composition that frames architecture, woodland, and guest experience into one harmonious view. Whether you’re planning a wedding, a business retreat, or a restorative getaway, the terraces set the tone for everything that follows.

Ready to experience them for yourself? Book your stay via Direct Boeken, schedule an appointment to tour the estate, or request an event quotation. For personalised assistance, call +31 (0)26‑4455751 or email info@grootwarnsborn.nl.