The story behind Kasteel Oost

Kasteel Oost and its history

Kasteel Oost, located on the Geul in Valkenburg, is an ochre-colored mansion with a rich history dating back to the second half of the sixteenth century. A magnificent building always owned by wealthy noble families in which high-ranking personalities came and went. In its heyday in 1626, Kasteel Oost was a place where magnificent parties took place for days and high society met. Over the centuries, the castle has experienced an eventful history of inheritances and various transfers of ownership, which always took place within the high nobility. However, they all had one thing in common: the attachment and love for Kasteel Oost and its lands.

Its current appearance, including its striking color, dates from 1836. The U-shaped building features a courtyard flanked by pillars with stone lions, and is surrounded by Baroque gardens that are freely accessible. Over the centuries, the castle has had various functions, including agricultural school and literary center.

Starting in 1978, the castle experienced a new revival on the lower floor by the municipality of Valkenburg itself, when they decided to build a "romantic wedding palace" here, in which the first couple exchanged wedding vows on August 26, 1978.

In 2023, Ramona Koonings, owner of the largest bridal store in the world, was given the opportunity to compete for the tender to sell Kasteel Oost. With a comprehensive and lovingly developed overall concept for this unique property, she wins the tender and will become the owner of Kasteel Oost in 2024 .

With a total area of 34,527 m², the estate now offers a fairytale experience for visitors from Valkenburg and far beyond. With a hotel, restaurant, wellness, event venue, bridal store and men's boutique, Kasteel Oost is a place where tourists, party guests, businesses, brides-to-be and families are enchanted by the charm of the estate.

Ramona Koonings

Ramona Koonings is a Brabant wedding dress designer, entrepreneur, TV personality, and a true family man. When Ramona started working as a coffee girl in Mr. and Mrs. Koonings' bridal store at the age of 14, it was soon clear that she was brimming with ambition. She was naturally drawn into entrepreneurship and the bridal world. When Mr. and Mrs. Koonings decided to sell the business, they entrusted it to only one person: then 17-year-old Ramona. Together with her mother Ineke, she seized this opportunity with both hands.

In the years that followed, Ramona managed to grow her business more and more. She evolved from coffee girl to stylist to designer. One bridal collection after another was introduced and Koonings sprang up in multiple locations. With her credo, "If you can dream it, you can do it," Ramona surprised the world in 2018 with a stunning 11,000-square-foot wedding palace in Deurne, home to an immense, fairy-tale shopping experience. Ramona is proud to call herself the owner of the largest bridal store in the world.

But even years later, Ramona's dream of having her own real "wedding castle" won't let go. When Kasteel Oost in Valkenburg comes up for sale in 2023, she doesn't hesitate for a second, but seizes her chance. With a lovingly developed and comprehensive overall concept that goes far beyond the wedding dress search, she wins the bid and becomes the owner of Kasteel Oost in 2024 . Here she not only realizes a second location of Koonings where both bride and groom can succeed. She is also developing a hotel, restaurant, wellness and event venue on this historic site.

Koonings Bridal Fashion

Those looking for a wedding dress cannot ignore Koonings. Koonings is the largest bridal store in the world. And with an unmatched collection of more than 4,500 wedding dresses and a team of experienced stylists, this is the destination for every bride. Its main office is located in Deurne. Our services complete the picture: an in-house atelier that perfectly tailors your outfit, beauty and hair specialists who take care of your sparkling look, and culinary delights in our atmospheric restaurants. At Koonings you are in good hands, from the first fitting to the last toast.

In addition to the main branch in Deurne, there is now also a branch in Kasteel Oost. With this location in Kasteel Oost, Koonings further expands its unique experience, where brides can not only find their dream dress, but also get married and party in the same enchanting location.

Among other things, Koonings is known for the popular TLC program "Say Yes To The Dress Benelux," in which stylist and presenter Fred van Leer works with Ramona Koonings and her team to guide brides in finding their ultimate dream dress. In addition, Koonings is the regular supplier of wedding dresses for the RTL 4 program "Married At First Sight."