Johannahuis Wassenaar
THE ABANDONED CARE HOME IN THE NETHERLANDS
Built in 1930, Johannahuis served as a home for the elderly in Wassenaar. However, as modern living standards evolved, it fell into disuse and was abandoned in 2004. Subsequently, the complex underwent conversion into lofts in 2017.
Johannahuis owes its existence to the philanthropic couple Van Ommeren-de Voogt. In the early 20th century, they purchased the Wassenaar estate. Their mission was to provide housing for those who, due to unforeseen circumstances, could no longer secure a home independently.
Johannahuis, constructed in 1930 by architect S. de Clercq, served as a home for the elderly in Wassenaar. This symmetrical building featured four wings surrounding an inner garden. The original 1929 design accommodated 43 residents and included 2 service rooms. Located within the historic country park “Rust en Vreugd”, Johannahuis was intended for use by the regents of the Wilhelmina-Alida Foundation.
Over the years, the building underwent changes: an additional floor in 1933 due to war-related damage, and a new wing in 1983, which unfortunately disrupted the villa’s architectural symmetry. The complex comprised 27 one-bedroom apartments and 15 two-bedroom apartments, providing housing for a total of 66 individuals.
As modern living standards changed, a new complex was constructed close-by. In 2004, residents moved to spacious apartments within this new structure, accommodating up to 50 individuals with an indication for long-term care. The old house was left abandoned.
At the end of 2017 the building was reconverted into luxury lofts. The lofts were sold for 2.5 million euros each. During the redevelopment, they restored the original spacious entrance hall to its former glory. I visited the ‘Johannahuis’ in 2015. Follow this link for more abandoned care homes.
