Zuylestein Castle, Renaissance castle in Leersum, Netherlands.
Zuylestein Castle is a Renaissance structure in Leersum set within the natural surroundings of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug and surrounded by walled gardens. The building integrates its historical architecture with working fields and garden areas that characterize the entire property.
The castle came into the possession of Frederick Henry, Prince of Orange, in the 1630s, who later transferred it to his son Frederick. This connection to the Orange family shaped the property's development across subsequent generations.
The estate serves today as a place where visitors can experience sustainable farming and see how local grain production connects to the surrounding landscape. The managed gardens and fields reflect a way of living that respects the natural rhythms of the region.
The grounds are best explored on foot, as the gardens and fields are accessible via established pathways. The attached café De Oranjerie offers a place to rest, particularly on weekends when the artisanal shop selling local products is also open.
Wild pigs roam freely on the grounds as part of the estate's meat production program, a surprising detail that many visitors overlook. This unusual approach to farming demonstrates how the property combines historical tourism with local food production.
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