The Crest of Kasteel Oost

The location of our Butler Academy is extremely important. This location will not only be your "home" for two full months but as we create for you a real working household, the location must be equally impressive. After all, this is the kind of location where you might be working once you graduate. Below you will find detailed information and a number of photos of our school. Click the thumbnails to enlarge.

 Frederik Nijen Twilhaar from The Netherlands - Graduate of The International Butler Academy


We are extremely proud to offer our students such a superb training location: Kasteel Oost

Kasteel Oost (literally translated Castle of the East) is beautifully located in the historical city of Valkenburg (officially the city is called Valkenburg aan de Geul) in the south of The Netherlands, very close to the city of Maastricht and the German city of Aachen. Kasteel Oost is one the most prominent landmark building in this part of The Netherlands. Here you will learn how to become a first-class butler, house manager and personal assistant.
 

The International Butler Academy
Front view

 The International Butler Academy
Front Gate		 The International Butler Academy
Back view		 The International Butler Academy
Aerial view

Documents going back to the year 1340 mention the existence of Kasteel Oost. A time when power, wealth and fame were very important. You will experience the grandeur of this aristocratic landmark building as you enter the stately alley.
 

The International Butler Academy
School

 The International Butler Academy
School		 The International Butler Academy
School		 The International Butler Academy
School

The entry to the Castle ensures a Royal welcome for guests, while the classical interior of the rooms is in the rich Neoclassical style. Crystal chandeliers, ornate fireplaces, statues and beautifully ceilings are part of its historical interior. The mezzanine floor displays the full grandeur of Kasteel Oost. Our Castle and the diverse and beautiful classrooms are fully outfitted with the tools and products of fine luxury homes ensuring that students receive the precise hands on experience that they will require in private service.

Student Accommodation

Student accommodation is provided in outstanding apartments, about a 10 minute walk from the castle. Students have their own private and comfortable bedroom and share a living room (maximum three students per apartment). There is everything you would expect in a private home. This includes a fully equipped kitchen so students can prepare a meal if they wish, although virtually all meals are cooked by our own Executive Chef. Of course there is a TV as well as high-speed wireless Internet. You will find that we provide towels, sheets, laundry facilities, iron and an ironing board and much more. The apartments are also very cozy.

Student Accomodation
Student Accommodation		 Student Accomodation
Student Accommodation		 Student Accomodation
Student Accommodation		 Student Accomodation
Student Accommodation

City of Valkenburg

In the mid-1880s, the first tourism office in the Netherlands opened, and it wasn’t in Amsterdam. That distinction belongs to Valkenburg, a city of spas and sidewalk cafés, of caves and castle ruins. Tourists have been coming to this city for more than 150 years. But they are relative newcomers. The Romans took a liking to the place and its stone quarries back around the time of Christ. During the Middle Ages, lords, knights and maidens roamed the grounds of the once-thriving Valkenburg Castle.

The city of Valkenburg was first mentioned in 1041 which referred to the old city of Valkenburg. However, the history of Valkenburg is filled with sieges and conquests which is why visitors can find several ruins in the areas. Many of the historical landmarks in Valkenburg have been restored. This fortified city still holds some remnants of its fortification including the part of its former city walls and 2 city gates. Although rulers are no longer overseeing the city, the importance of the lineage still remains and is evident with an ongoing legend that every male born in royalty has a birth mark on his chest.

Valkenburg is situated in a beautiful part of the Netherlands and it is one of the more popular tourist destinations in Netherlands because it is characterized by historical remains and wonderful geographical boundaries. There are several notable attractions in the area. The caves, which the city is known for, also draw a lot of tourists. The caves were said to be used during the Roman times to store building materials and one can find engravings in these caves as well. Aside from the caves, the catacombs are also popular which date back to the early Roman period. There are also several museums, amusement parks and historical buildings that line the streets of Valkenburg and just outside of the city visitors can explore several picturesque villages surrounded by greenery. Valkenburg has the oldest still existing railway station building in the Netherlands.

Valkenburg has a total area of 36.91 square kilometers. Although the municipality only has about 20,000 inhabitants, it hosts more than 1 million nights a year. The city It is surrounded by hills but the land is mostly level. The city features a hilly terrain which is great for hiking and cycling. The city is known for its cycling trails so going on a cycling tour is one of the best ways to explore the city. The city is famous for its international cycling events.