Windows into village life.....

Welkom in Vollehove!

I had mentioned that we planned on visiting a village when we had our longer stay last weekend at Cranberry Cottage. I thought it would be fun to take you along on a walk through this pretty and historical village. I want to share a window literally into what I find so beautiful in Holland...these wonderful villages...


This is a window to the Sint Nicolaaskerk which has its roots back as far as 1100 when a chapel stood in its place. The church in its current form dates back to the 15th century.


Those who visit my often know I love all things wrought iron. I just love these gates.


The former city hall building is 'attached' to the church and now houses a restaurant.


It was here that I realized that this village had one of the things that I think gives Holland its great charm. The buildings are beautiful and the doors and windows are like eyes to show you its history. Isn't this door amazing?


The old city hall was built in 1621 and this entrance is now used to create a nice atmosphere where it used to welcome those coming to conduct town business. When you enlarge this photo, you can see the incredible old wooden beams.


This window gives us a glimpse into the year 1627.


This is the building which is now called the Latin School. It is unsure why it is called this as the real Latin School was located a street away. It is believed that young gentlemen stayed here while attending the French boarding school in the village.


Doors of these old houses have a certain charm but often are made to look even better with simple accessories.


Sometimes you come across a window with a whole other meaning like this little niche and the Holy Child statue. This is at the Holy Ghost Chapel which was part of the Heilige Geestgasthuis which was a hospital that dates back to 1370. The chapel is all that remains today.



These typical Dutch homes are just so inviting. I love the large windows and the brick work. I would love to own a home like one of these. A girl can dream, right?


Sometimes you come across a window into a past with only shadows to show. This is the 16th century ruins of castle Toutenberg and being the summer residence of the Bishop of Utrecht.


These windows guard over a beautiful park which I will share with you the next time. I hope our walk was not too long or made you too tired but perhaps allowed you to look into this enchanting village...


The Lockless Door by Robert Frost

It went many years,
But at last came a knock,
And I though of the door
With no lock to lock.

I blew out the light,
I tip-toed the floor,
And raised both hands
In prayer to the door.

But the knock came again.
My window was wide;
I climbed on the sill
And descended outside.

Back over the sill
I bade a 'Come in'
To whatever the knock
At the door may have been.

So at a knock
I emptied my cage
To hide in the world
And alter with age.