Photo: www.gooienvechthistorisch.nl (SAGV032.5)

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Corvin
1893 / A. Salm Gbzn.

Villa Corvin was the main building of one of the most important country estates in Hilversum. Corvin was located at the top of Boomberg. The villa and coach house were built in 1893 to the design of A. Salm (1875-1915) on behalf of Mr A.L. Grothe. Interior components such as washbasin furniture and fireplaces were also designed by Salm for villa Corvin.

A geometric garden was created on the approximately 11.00 m2 site. When Grothe bought the land for the construction of the villa, he also bought part of the road. He received permission for this on the condition that he paid for a plan to improve and embellish the remaining free walk and the park on the Boomberg. Landscaper D. Wattez made a plan that provided for a significant expansion of the number of walking paths, vistas, trees, shrubs, flowers and benches. This plan was ultimately not realized.

The floor height decreasing from bottom to top and the rich detailing of the plastered villa refers to the Italian Renaissance. Salm also built the villa Ma Retraite in Zeist in this style. Mrs. Gothe, Lady Amy Twiss, enjoyed national fame in the field of the stage. Around 1904 she founded the first Dutch open-air theater on the country estate. Performances took place in the villa’s outer garden, a natural amphitheater. After having had various destinations, including a hotel, restaurant and school building, the unique building was unfortunately demolished in 1987. A number of houses have been built on the site.

Source: Annette Koenders, Hilversum. Architectuur en Stedenbouw 1850-1940, Zwolle (2001).