About us

From pension to Veluwe hotel farm

In 1973, Gerrit van der Valk buys a charming guesthouse from the 1920s for his nephew Martin Zeeuw van der Laan and his wife Angela. It is a characteristic colonial-style country house, located on the edge of the Veluwe forests, near the route where the A1 highway was being extended eastward at that time. The young couple, both in their early twenties and expecting a baby, move into the upper floor of the house. They transform the ground floor into a restaurant. Hard work, good food, and genuine hospitality form the basis of their business. And with success: guests quickly discover De Cantharel. In 1976, a hotel with 47 rooms is built in the same location. The family continues to live in the hotel for several years until they move to their own house next to the property.

Childhood memories

Current owner Bob Zeeuw van der Laan looks back fondly on his childhood:
"We played tag as children in the hallways of the hotel. My parents worked long days, but were always close by. We ate together, shared our stories after school. Later, we all helped out in the business. That's how we learned that you have to offer more than guests expect. That feeling of welcoming is now a part of who we have become."

New generation, new accents

When his parents want to take it easy, Bob takes over the business. Exactly at the moment when a major renovation and expansion are planned. Drawing from his work experience and inspiration from his international travels, he brings new ideas in the field of hospitality, organization, and facilities into practice. The hotel gets a conference center, horse stables, its own vegetable garden, a beauty & wellness center, and achieves the Green Key Gold certification. The Veluwe nature is more prominently involved: carriage rides over the heath, employees being trained as IVN nature guides, and a menu featuring healthy local products.

The Chanterelle this year

In recent years, the development has continued. With restaurant Huisje James, tucked away in the greenery, outdoor dining concepts, the information point ’t Buitenhuisje, and the newest accommodations de Boshut and het Boerderijtje. In 2019, the wellness garden with swimming pool opened. With these additions, De Cantharel has grown into more than just a hotel: a Veluwe country estate hotel where guest experience takes center stage. A place where business dynamics blend seamlessly with relaxation, nature, and luxury — sustainable, forward-looking, and deeply rooted in the region.