Villa Waterkeer - Westerland

Villa Waterkeer is located on the south-western side of Wieringen and belongs to the village of Westerland. It is one of three villas built on Wieringen on behalf of the Maatschappij tot Uitvoering der Zuiderzeewerken (Company for the Implementation of the Zuiderzee Works). The detached villa was built around 1927 and was intended for members of the management involved in the Zuiderzee Works. The first resident was Johannes Aleidis Ringers, director and chief contractor of the Zuiderzee Works, who came to live here with his family.

There is a persistent rumour that the famous designer of the Zuiderzee Works, Cornelis Lely, lived here. However, this is incorrect. The man, whose statue stands prominently on the Afsluitdijk, died in 1929. His son Jan Lely did live here, however. He moved into the villa in 1930.

The name “Waterkeer” seems to be an implicit reference to Lely's hydraulic engineering projects, which were aimed at “turning back” the water. However, it is not certain whether the name was chosen deliberately with Lely in mind.

The villa, built in the Amsterdam School style, is privately owned. The building has lost none of its grandeur and charisma. Its elevated position offers a beautiful view of the Amstelmeer.

The house is privately owned, so please keep your distance to ensure the privacy of the residents.

Photo: ©Kenneth Stamp, Municipality of Hollands Kroon