Villa Tichelwerk

Nestled in the serene town of Hengelo, Villa Tichelwerk is a hidden gem that transports visitors back to the early 20th century. This enchanting villa, located at M.A. de Ruyterstraat 1, was built around 1900 as the residence of the prominent Stork family, renowned for their contributions to the textile industry. Designed by the acclaimed architect Jacob van der Goot, Villa Tichelwerk stands as a testament to the elegance and grandeur of the chalet style, a popular architectural trend of the time.

The History of Villa Tichelwerk

The story of Villa Tichelwerk begins with Engelbert Stork, the influential director of the Stork textile factories, who purchased part of the land previously occupied by brickworks in 1880. The area, known as Tichelwerk due to the bricks (tichel) produced there, soon witnessed the construction of Engelbert’s country house. Upon Engelbert’s passing in 1893, his son Willem Stork inherited the estate and decided to build a new, more modern villa on the grounds. Thus, Villa Tichelwerk was born, replacing the old house Tiggelwerk, which was subsequently demolished.

In September 1900, Willem and his wife Sara Stork-Smit moved into the newly completed villa with their six children. The house was ahead of its time, boasting modern amenities such as electricity, central steam heating, and beautifully crafted interiors featuring intricate tile work, terrazzo floors, and stained glass windows. The surrounding park, designed by the renowned landscape architect Dirk Wattez, transformed the 14-hectare estate into a picturesque haven with woodlands, vegetable gardens, greenhouses, orchards, and even a deer park.

Architectural Marvels and Interior Splendor

Villa Tichelwerk is a masterpiece of eclectic design, blending elements of Jugendstil, Neo-Baroque, Neo-Rococo, 17th-century styles, Neo-Gothic, and Neoclassicism. The chalet style is prominently featured in the villa’s verandas, adding a touch of rustic charm to its refined elegance. The ground floor housed the kitchen, pantry, toilet, garage, and four splendidly decorated rooms: Willem’s study, a room for Sara, a dining room, and a gentleman’s room. Beneath part of these rooms lay a basement, adding to the villa’s practical aspects.

The first floor was equally impressive, with seven bedrooms, including the master bedroom, a children’s room, and a small room for the nanny. This floor also featured a bathroom and a toilet, ensuring comfort and convenience for the family. The second floor comprised an attic and four additional bedrooms, one of which was designated for the staff. Sara Stork-Smit, an accomplished painter, had a special room with north-facing windows on this floor, where she could indulge in her artistic pursuits.

From Family Home to Educational Institute

In the early 1920s, the economic crisis forced Willem Stork to sell the estate. Despite his efforts, finding a buyer proved challenging, leading him to cut down many trees and rent out the gardener’s house to alleviate financial strain. By 1925, Villa Tichelwerk had transformed into a pension, with the surrounding grounds gradually sold off for housing, vegetable gardens, and the construction of an Apostolic church. In 1939, what remained of the estate was purchased by the Maatschappij Het Tichelwerk, and during World War II, the villa was requisitioned by German forces.

In 1955, the villa and the remaining 2.7 hectares of land were acquired by the Sint Gregoriusstichting in Utrecht, becoming the Fraterhuis St. Marchelm. The brothers residing in the villa taught at the Roman Catholic Kweekschool, which later moved to a new building on M.A. de Ruyterstraat. Despite the villa’s faded exterior, it continued to serve as a residence and educational space for the brothers, although children could no longer play on the grounds or skate on the pond, which had been filled in.

Restoration and Modern Usage

The 1990s marked a new chapter for Villa Tichelwerk, as it underwent extensive restoration. Efforts were made to preserve the villa’s original features while adapting it to serve as a workspace for the teachers of the Mgr. Hoogveld Kweekschool. The rooms, kitchen, bathroom, and pantry were converted into offices, with the gentleman’s room and dining room repurposed as meeting rooms. The restoration revealed the villa’s original ochre-yellow exterior with oxblood-colored woodwork, while the interior saw oak wood painted to mimic the more luxurious wenge.

From 1996 to 2013, Villa Tichelwerk was the workplace for the teachers of the Edith Stein teacher training college, which later merged with Saxion University of Applied Sciences. In 2018, the villa was sold, but its legacy endures, with both the villa and the neighborhood name, Tichelwerk, serving as reminders of the area’s rich history in brickmaking.

Today, Villa Tichelwerk stands as a proud Rijksmonument, inviting visitors to explore its storied past and marvel at its architectural beauty. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, Villa Tichelwerk offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of the Stork family and the evolution of this remarkable estate.