’t Ruige Veld
From country house and children’s convalescent home to a care estate: ’t Ruige Veld on Asserstraat connects buildings, landscape and the history of care in Rolde.
West of Rolde, on Asserstraat, lies ’t Ruige Veld. Among woodland and heath, a private country house developed into a children’s convalescent home and later a site for care and residential support. Its name belongs to more than one building: it connects the estate, the former villa and the care buildings added over time.
A country house among woodland and heath
According to the Rolder Historisch Gezelschap, Gerhard Dumbar had a villa built here in 1921. The thatched house stood on an estate of about twenty hectares. Woodland, heath, junipers and old paths still recall the landscape in which it was established. A small Jewish cemetery on the estate has a separate history of its own.
A new purpose for the villa
In 1937 the estate was purchased for a Christian children’s convalescent home. The country house became the main building. Alterations included a wing with two dormitories and central heating, allowing children to stay during winter too. A red roof replaced the former thatch.
The first group of children arrived on 9 October 1938, followed by the official opening on 15 October. The home accommodated children who needed additional recovery and care, commonly known at the time as ‘bleekneusjes’, or pale children. Fresh air, nutritious food and rest were intended to build their strength. Daily life followed a set routine and strict rules. Children could return with happy memories, but also remember the homesickness of being away.
Buildings for changing forms of care
Later, ’t Ruige Veld became a child and adolescent psychiatric institution. Its buildings changed with its purpose. The municipality’s planning report from 2022 dates the institutional buildings it describes to 1979–1997. The present complex and historical pictures of the convalescent home therefore show different stages in the life of the same place.
Accare sold the estate in 2018. Today, Stichting Phusis uses part of ’t Ruige Veld for supported residential care. The estate continues to serve a care function, although its buildings and daily life differ from those of the former children’s home.
Looking to the future
The future of the estate remains a topic of discussion. On 11 December 2024 the Council of State annulled the specific planning provision prohibiting overnight stays. In February 2025 RTV Drenthe reported that the municipality, landowners and Phusis intended to work together on a future involving care and housing. These were plans, rather than evidence that new buildings had already been completed.
’t Ruige Veld is a residential care site. Respect residents’ privacy and follow the signs and instructions concerning access to the grounds and buildings.
