The story that made us who we are
The "Weltevreden" ensemble, created by the Belgian insurance salesman George Fester (1879-1954), is one of the most outstanding examples of the villa and country house culture in Bergedorf. With an impressive area and elaborate construction, it was one of the largest and most important properties in the region.
Located on the steep bank of the Bille, more precisely on the section known as the "Mühlenteich", the property offered a spectacular view over the park. This park, designed as a geometric garden with terraces on the steep edge of the Geest, contrasted impressively with the flatter landscape garden to the south. The country house itself was placed at the top of the steep slope on a ridge, from which a majestic view of the surrounding landscape was offered.
The renowned Hamburg landscape architect Rudolf Jürgens (1850-1930) was commissioned to design the more than 10-hectare landscape park. Jürgens, who was primarily known for his work for Hamburg's upper class, left behind one of his few well-preserved late works here.
above: development plan from 1911
right: "Site plan of the property of Mr. Georg Fester in Wentorf", by William Rzekónski, 1917
The park is divided into four clearly defined areas:
1. Landscape garden: This extends from the gatehouse in the southeast corner of the property to the main house in the northeast.
2. Vegetable garden: Located in the western part of the park, this area housed a washhouse and a gardener's house as well as a greenhouse.
3. Special geometric gardens: These gardens extend along the edge of the slope in the north and also included a tennis court and a bathing garden.
4. Park of the northern slopes: This area consisted of wooded sections interspersed with meadow clearings.
In addition to the red oaks, a remarkable variety of other tree species such as sweet chestnuts, weeping beeches, copper beeches, golden elms and silver maples can still be seen today. In the northern areas of the park, smaller stone settings, so-called "rockeries", were also created, which gave the landscape additional charm.
Another expression of Fester's love of the plant world can be seen in the large number of rhododendrons, which can be found in the park in various varieties. These were procured at Fester's request by his head gardener, who sometimes used exotic trees. It is particularly noteworthy that the rhododendrons came from Anthony Waterer, a famous English breeder.
Overall, the "Weltevreden" estate is an impressive example of the horticultural art and villa culture of the early 20th century. To this day, the well-preserved structures and the scenically attractive park testify to the importance of this unique ensemble.
The story that made us who we are
Das Ensemble „Weltevreden“ des belgischen Versicherungskaufmanns George Fester (1879-1954) zählte bauzeitlich (ca. 1911-1933) zu den flächenmäßig größten und baulich aufwendigsten Beispielen der Bergedorfer Villen- und Landhauskultur des frühen 20. Jahrhunderts.
Auffällig ist eine bis heute erkennbare Differenzierung unterschiedlicher Baumgruppen aus Roteichen, Esskastanien, Hängebuchen, Blutbuchen und Silberahorn. Außerdem wurden in den landschaftlichen Partien im Norden stellenweise kleinere Steinsetzungen („rockeries“) vorgenommen.
Die Verwendung verschiedener Rhododendron-Sorten wird dem besonderen Wunsch des Bauherrn zugeschrieben, der mittels seines Obergärtners und eines Gehilfen selbst exotische Gehölze Die Verwendung verschiedener Rhododendron-Sorten wird dem besonderen Wunsch des Bauherrn zugeschrieben, der mittels seines Obergärtners und eines Gehilfen selbst exotische Gehölze und insbesondere Rhododendron beschaffte.
Da die Rhododendren von dem berühmten englischen Rhododendronzüchter Anthony Waterer stammen, mit dessen Tochter Jürgens verheiratet war, ist auch Jürgens Einfluss anzunehmen.
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