Duivenvoorde Castle
The Netherlands is famous for its many beautiful castles, and this one is no exception. Rosie Khdir discovers the wonderful Duivenvoorde Castle.
In the town of Voorschoten, not far from The Hague lies this 13th century castle, family manor and museum.
As you drive down a tree-lined road you see surrounded by an English-style park, the red brick beauty with countless windows and a traditional moat surrounding it. As you enter the house you take a trip back in time through several centuries and cultures.
What is special about this particular castle is that is has never been sold; it was always passed down through generations, whether directly or through marriage, The last owner of the house was Jonkvrouwe Ludolphine Henriette, Baroness Schimmelpenninck van der Oye who upon her death left it in the care of the Duivenvoorde Foundation.
The house has been open to the public since 1960 with the central part and the north wing of the castle decorated as if they were still inhabited by Barons and Baronesses past. Visitors can wander through the grand rooms scattered with antique furniture and family portraits.
As well as admiring architecture, by Huguenot Daniel Marot who also designed and decorated the stunning Great Hall in 1717, visitors can view the international collections of books pottery and porcelain.
The castle exhibits collections of gold and silver metalwork, pottery, glass, porcelain, furniture, oriental art and has a delightful garden and botanical display.
If you have a love for art, for history, for beautiful slightly gothic architecture and English landscaping then Duivenvoorde Castle is the place for you to visit.
The castle is open Tuesday to Saturday and you can visit the site for more details.
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Image credit: Provinciaal Historisch Centrum Zuid-Holland
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