In memoriam
Jeroen Bakker
1954 – 2024Jeroen Bakker
Jeroen Bakker passed away on August 13, 2024, at the age of 70, after battling cancer. Together with his wife Ellen and their 8 children they own the Domaine d’Essendiéras since 1999.
A visionary entrepreneur and a warm-hearted man, Jeroen leaves behind a lasting legacy in both Zeeland, where he shaped the digital landscape, and the Dordogne, where he created a true haven of peace and innovation.
Originally from the Netherlands, Jeroen first made his mark in the 1990s in Zeeland with groundbreaking projects such as ZeelandNet, one of the first local digital networks in Europe. Thanks to his vision and dedication, the people of the region were connected, ushering in a digital revolution at the local level.
After selling ZeelandNet, Jeroen and his wife Ellen decided to relocate to the Dordogne in the early 2000s. Together, they transformed Domaine d’Essendiéras, a property with two castles surrounded by orchards, into a high-end tourist complex. Through years of hard work and creativity, the estate now hosts weddings, seminars, and events, and accommodates up to 350 guests.
As a pioneer in sustainability, Jeroen also spearheaded an ambitious solar panel project that today provides electricity to a large portion of the local community. His vision extended far beyond entrepreneurship: he sought to create spaces of connection, community, and harmony with nature.
Jeroen was also a devoted family man. Together with Ellen, he raised eight children, who today carry on his life’s work with the same passion and dedication.
His charisma, warmth, and innovative spirit will live on in our memories. Jeroen Bakker showed that it is possible to dream big while remaining true to deeply rooted values of solidarity and humanity.
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Padel Court
The Domaine has been offering an indoor padel court since April 2025, open to the general public.
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25 Years at Essendiéras
On 24 December 1999, the adventure at Essendiéras began. The estate has become what it is today partly thanks to all the guests over the past 25 years.
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Truffes en fête 2025
On the initiative of the Excideuil Rotary Club, Truffes en Fête will be held for the 13th time on Saturday 25 January at the Domaine d’Essendiéras.
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In memoriam – Jeroen Bakker
On 13 August 2024, Jeroen Bakker, owner of Domaine d’Essendiéras, passed away at the age of just 70.
