Molendal Stories
At the end of 1800, a new residential area emerged in Arnhem around the Sonsbeekpark. Wealthy families had their beautiful villas and country houses built there, which were surrounded by the stately city parks of Arnhem. This also applies to the Jugendstil city villa that now houses Hotel Molendal. From 1904, it served as the residence of Mr. G. André de la Porte, director of the Arnhemsche Brandwaarborg-maatschappij, and his family. Much of the authentic Jugendstil architecture has been preserved. This gives the hotel its own unique character.
Transvaal neighborhood
Molendal was the first house in the Transvaalbuurt, with street names that recall the Boer War. The Transvaalbuurt is the first district that was developed north of the railway embankment at the beginning of the 20th century and is located south of the Sonsbeek park. Completely in line with the then prevailing views on the status of the city, it had to become a district that was attractive to the 'better class'. The district gained national fame through the form and style of the housing, which was designed by the Hague/Arnhem architect Willem Diehl (1876 - 1959).
