Catshuis, Official residence in The Hague, Netherlands
Catshuis is a two-story residence with white walls, classical architecture elements, and traditional Dutch gabled roofs in The Hague. The complex includes maintained gardens and a separate wing for administrative functions.
Pieter Post designed the villa at the request of Jacob Cats as a private residence, completed in 1652. After the Second World War, the property was established as the official residence of the Prime Minister.
The name refers to Jacob Cats, a Dutch poet and statesman from the 17th century. The grounds serve today for official receptions and government meetings, with visitors gaining access only during special occasions.
The residence sits in a quiet residential area and remains closed to the public most of the time. On certain days of the year, guided tours become available allowing visitors to see the interior spaces and grounds.
Willem Bentinck added a bell tower in 1738, which still carries a bronze bell today. The grounds contain several old trees, some of which are said to date from the original 17th-century planting.
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