Our philosophy: to be free in solidarity

The Maartenhuis, an institution recognised by the AWBZ (Exceptional Medical Expenses Act) and based on anthroposophic principles with a GVT (Family Replacement Home) and a DVO (Day Centre for the Elderly) is situated immediately behind the dunes, surrounded by the magnificent Texel countryside and just outside the hamlet of de Koog.

The GVT is home to 21 adult residents and since recently two children with specific care requirements. For the DVO about another 25 fellow-islanders come along daily to work together in and around the Maartenhuis.

The Maartenhuis forms part of the international Camphill movement. This means that residents with a care requirement and their fellow residents, acting as carers, with or without families, live under one roof and share their life.

The basic principle of the way of life at the Maartenhuis is the assumption that every person is a unique personality with a desire to pursue his/her own development path.

Being associated with the international Camphill movement implies that the Maartenhuis ensures that the impetus towards building a community is kept alive and practised in the way Karl König first developed it. The Maartenhuis is also a member of the Remedial Education Association. This is the cooperative association of anthroposophical care institutions in the Netherlands.