The Dutch representative organisation for owners of castles and estates (sKBL) and its Russian counterpart organised an exchange program to benefit owners of both countries. The goal was to acquire knowledge and experiences concerning management, conservation and exploitation. A delegation of Russians visited the Dutch estates of Middachten, Klarenbeek, Huis Bergh and Soestdijk Palace amongst others, while the Dutch contributed to the VII Saint Petersburg International Cultural Forum with a visit and lecture by sKBL president René Dessing.
“The Russian guests were amazed, among other things, about the small travel distances, the excellent infrastructure, the overall condition of the estates they visited and the predominantly small dimensions of Dutch country houses. They were impressed by the great commitment of owners, staff and volunteers to the conservation, the tourist activities and the professional efforts of various owners to link their assets to matters such as agriculture, entrepreneurship or cultural participation.”
Read the full article (in Dutch) at sKBL.