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Het Ruiterhuys
The dark wooden house with its tiled roof behind the pond on a summer’s day: clear blue sky, a tall pine on the left, duckweed and water lilies on the water, and behind the low wooden fence the terrace with white parasols. White dahlias reach into the frame at the bottom right.

From horse stableto inn.

Pure, passionate and memorable, with ‘simply good’ as our guiding principle. A family business run by Frank & Nikki la Croix, on the spot where the horses once stood.

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A complete experience:
surroundings, atmosphere and food.

Every guest is welcome: from the children who visit our animals, to the walker who drops by every week for homemade apple pie, to the couple in love on a romantic evening out. Whatever time of day you join us, you can count on good service and a lovely atmosphere.

We work with local meat suppliers and fresh seasonal produce: artisanal meat as well as a wide choice of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

The dining room with the open fire: a wood fire burns in a brick chimney breast with a heavy oak beam, with an elk head on the chimney above and a wooden ladder leaning against it. In front, two dark brown leather armchairs on a rug; on the left small oak tables with cognac leather chairs by a steel-framed glass front, on the right a long oak table with candlelight and wild flowers beneath the oak rafters and an antler chandelier.

From stable to inn.

  1. Early 1990s

    One horse became a stable

    Nikki’s parents moved from Zaandam to Castricum. Nikki, a keen horsewoman, convinced them there was room for a horse of her own. What began with one horse grew into a serious sport stable, focused on competition, breeding and sales.
  2. The rider & the horsewoman

    Frank came as the stable rider

    Frank fell in love not only with the work here, but also with Nikki. Together they rode many competitions. The ambition for the very top was adjusted, but they never let go of the place.
  3. 2010

    From stable to inn

    After years in this place, and three children later, Gasterij Het Ruiterhuys was born, built onto the original stable. Part of the riding school became an atmospheric hall for parties, weddings and meetings. Rural and rugged, with respect for the past.
  4. 2020

    A family business

    Two of the three children now work in the business. The wish for a wonderful family business in the most beautiful place has come true.

The la Croix family and all our staff wish you a lovely, enjoyable time during your visit.

Low over the maize field beside the grounds in the evening sun: the long stable building with red tiles under the ivy, the cream stretch tent on the terrace behind it, and further on the polder with rows of trees

The dunes on the doorstep, a petting farm on the grounds.

Het Ruiterhuys lies on the edge of the Noord-Holland dunes reserve. From here you can walk straight into the dunes, and on the grounds you first pass the animals. Our grounds include a modest petting farm.

sheep, horses, pigs and Rembrandt, our donkey
Frank and Nikki la Croix close together in the old stable, in warm light: he in a cream sweater with his arm around her shoulder, his hand with wedding ring and beaded bracelet on her lapel; she in a dark brown suit over a beige jumper, with a chunky necklace of pearls and amber. Behind them the dark wooden wall and the beams of the roof structure.
As a close-knit family we work together, so that you are well looked after here.

The warm atmosphere, the genuine hospitality and the passion for quality turn a lunch or dinner into a treasured memory. Come and taste it for yourself.

A young, motivated team that works together like a close family, in a warm, rural setting. Two of Frank & Nikki’s three children work in the business.

Until next time.