The 'Wester-Amstel' country house is located on the west bank of the river Amstel in Amstelveen - also the location of KLM's headquarters.
Wester-Amstel is one of the oldest surviving merchant mansions in Holland, built in 1662 by Nicolaas Pancras, mayor of Amsterdam and board member (Heeren XVII') of the Dutch East India Company.

Pancras modelled Wester-Amstel on the predominant 'lang romp' (long hull) farm houses.
The front served the wealthy merchant family as a summerhouse, while the rear was used for stables and servants' quarters. The surrounding gardens provided fruit, vegetables and firewood as well as a place for a pleasant stroll.

The modest design provided durable. Wester-Amstel survived economic downturns through its conversion to a country inn.The estate was bought in 1900 by Dutch travel agency founder Jacques Lissone, who converted it back into a family home. His descendants opened the gardens to the public. The house is now used for art exhibitions and festive gatherings.