Johan Flemiks buys a dilapidated observatory, but now it contains squatters

Johan Flemix, the biggest fan of the Oranges in the Netherlands, will soon be moving to Höfn. The former Observatory Quasar and an adjoining villa in Hoeven are watched by the famous Brabander. Vlemmix has big plans next to its new home. Among other things, a media center will be built. Small problem: there are still squatters in it now.

The artist and businessman wants to open a studio for television recordings in the main building of the observatory. “Then you should think, for example, of musical programs and talk shows with, among others, presenter Peter Jan Renz and a paranormal program with clairvoyant Jumanda and medium Robert van den Broeck. The space is great for that,” Johan says enthusiastically.

“You can rest assured that I will be sick of it for a few days.”

He was actually going to move into the new villa last week. But exactly on the day when the property was to be transferred to the notary, a group of squatters settled in the premises. “You can rest assured that I have been very ill for a few days now. I sold everything to live here and become a Hovvenar. This is really annoying,” Johan said in a trembling voice.

The buildings are still owned by Molencaten Groep. The entertainment company wants to force the squatters to leave the premises through the court. The judge will hear the case on Monday. The current inhabitants told Omrup Brabant that they would not resist if they were forced to leave.

“I have already purchased a new telescope that will soon be placed in the dome.”

Formerly known as Volkssterrenwacht Simon Stevin, the Quasar Observatory has been a household name for many years. Quasar closed its doors for good in 2008. Owner Molencaten Groep pulled the plug due to declining interest in astronomy. This made it very expensive to keep the observatory open.

In the year 2022, the old observatory on the forest plot on Bovenstraat presents a somber sight. Two remaining radio telescopes are overgrown with vegetation. Many of the buildings’ windows were broken and replaced with clapboards. So Vlemmix will have to work hard to fix everything. As a stargazer, he wants to do it in style: “I’ve already bought a new telescope that will soon be put up in the dome.”

“I can’t wait to furnish the villa in Höfen.”

Johann still lives in his café in Beck, Limburg. However, he can’t wait to return to Brabant. “It was also good in Limburg, but I’m still a citizen of Brabant. I can’t wait to furnish the villa in Hoeven. All the stuff for that is still in stock now. This time it won’t be ‘Paleis Soestdijk III’, but let’s stick to ‘De Oranjevilla'” .”

The Orange Fan will soon be able to say that the Royal House has already visited him. In 1994, what was then a renovated observatory was opened by Queen Beatrix. Johan: “That’s why I want to put something special in the villa. What it will be, remains a surprise for a while.”