In 2000 Brigitte and Frans van Wissen started for themselves in the Saint Brigid Inn (Herberg Sint Brigida) in Noorbeek (NL), dating from 1885. Without compromising on quality, they chose for small scale and simplicity in their own business. But also for top gastronomy and honest-warm hospitality. Herberg Sint Brigida consists of a restaurant, hotel rooms and two terraces.

In April 2014 they commissioned Jonathan Wanders to completely restyle the front terrace: to extend the warm and authentic atmosphere from the inside out, with the emphasis on quality and intimacy.

The old (facade) lighting, wooden pergola, plastic boarding and traffic sign were removed (with permission). The facade, facade name and facade anchors were repainted and partly adapted. An elegant wrought iron stair railing and balustrade were newly manufactured and added. Central and most important piece is the new lighting: four custom, antique and adapted crystal chandeliers (Maria Theresa) are hung on a slim black metal construction. The metal construction is attached to the façade anchors and lies on the branches of the silver lime (linden) tree, attached by steel cables so that no drilling was required in the tree.

Light, bright, Brigid, Brigida
Both Saint Brigid Inn as owner and hostess Brigitte owe their name to Saint Brigid, patron saint of Noorbeek, a village in the Netherlands. St. Brigid, also called Bridget of Kildare, was born from Irish parents in 453. Even as a little girl she standed out because of her exceptional beauty and she radiated an impressive piety. Therefore, they gave her the Celtic name for 'light': 'Brighid' or 'Bride'; think of the word 'bright' or 'shining'.

Four different chandeliers were chosen for the new lighting. They symbolize the four family members (Frans, Brigitte, Frederique and Matthijs). All unique in character, but together a unity. A whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. The Maria Theresa chandeliers are original examples from about 1950 consisting of copper, crystal and glass. After the necessary adjustments, the chandeliers have been made suitable for the Dutch outdoor climate.

The crystal chandeliers and the elegant forged ironwork enhance the warm and authentic atmosphere from inside out. The terrace of Saint Brigid Inn (Herberg Sint Brigida) has been transformed into an intimate place where you can dream away, feeling like you are in Italy or France. Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner under a beautiful crystal starry sky sheltered by the stately Silver Lime: a Noorbeek Enchantment.

News

• Under the starry sky of Frans // article De Limburger (NL) // 22 May 2015

Title: Noorbeek Enchantment (#1)
Location: Herberg Sint Brigida (Saint Brigid Inn), Dorpstraat 36, Noorbeek (NL). Publicly accessible
Process: March to September 2014
Temporary experience: September 2014 to December 2019
Renovation: June 10, 2020, Noorbeek Enchantment (#2)
Material: Four Maria Theresa chandeliers (copper, crystal, glass, plastic, candle lamps 5W, waterproof connectors, electricity), metal construction (structural steel, base coat, black lacquer mat), ironwork (steel, forged, black satin coating), electricity (including transformer dark green, 220V to 12V)
Dimensions: Terrace as a whole (incl. chandeliers, metal construction and ironwork) is 8x8x6 m (wxlxh)
Client: Herberg Sint Brigida (Saint Brigid Inn)
With special thanks to: Brigitte and Frans van Wissen, Thomas Loo, Bjorn Brouwers
Photos: Photo studio G2, Anne Jannes, Diana Scheilen
© Jonathan Wanders