Boschlust, Bauwerk in den Niederlanden
Boschlust is a villa in The Hague that dates back to the early 19th century and exemplifies local building traditions. The structure features stone and brick construction with evenly spaced windows and a gentle sloping roof, combining straightforward design with subtle decorative elements typical of its era.
Built in 1838 by Count Johannes van den Bosch and designed by architect J.D. Zocher, the estate stood in open countryside far from the city center. After the count's death in 1844, King Willem II purchased the property for his son Prince Alexander, though the prince occupied it only briefly.
The name Boschlust reflects its past as a country retreat for wealthy families seeking privacy and peace. Visitors can sense how this private home once anchored social life in the area and now exists as a quiet historical marker within the modern neighborhood.
The site is now part of a shopping center, making it easily accessible and convenient to explore while walking through the Bezuidenhoutseweg neighborhood. Visitors can combine interest in the location's history with everyday activities like browsing nearby shops and observing the neighborhood's current life.
The original building was completely demolished around 1890 and replaced by the Babylon shopping center, marking a dramatic shift from rural estate to urban commerce. Walking the area today, visitors encounter a striking contrast between the quiet history it once held and the busy modern activity that now occupies the space.
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