History

"Het Wapen van Ruurlo" (the original name of the hotel) was built on the site where the Rigtershuis of Ruurlo once stood. In 1873, Baron Willem van Heeckeren van Kell, at that time a resident of Ruurlo Castle, commissioned architect Nicolaus Hartmann from St. Moritz to design a hotel.
The first correspondence took place in December 1873, and in January and February of 1874. After creating the sketches, specifications, and drawings, a price estimate was made, and in 1878, the construction of the hotel was commissioned.
In 1892, a renovation was carried out at a cost of fl. 5,474.80.

Family Avenarius

The first proprietor was Mr. J. van Binsbergen, later succeeded by Karel Gustaf Avenarius.
In 1907, the current conservatory was added to the building.
In the years leading up to the Second World War, the hotel was very popular with holidaymakers from all over the country and had an excellent reputation. During all those years, it remained under the management of the Avenarius family.

Vacancy

During World War II, the hotel was occupied by the Germans, and significant damage was caused. After the war, it was managed for many years by Mr. J. Meilink, the son-in-law of Avenarius.

After several owners, the hotel stood empty in 1988 and was sold to the construction company WBC from Winterswijk. This company renovated the hotel, and new owners took over—the current owners.

Current situation

In 2002, a new hotel accommodation was added, and it became Hampshire Hotel Avenarius – Restaurant Tapasbar and Zalen. It is now a renowned hotel and a beautiful sight in the village of Ruurlo.