Sandwijck, Baroque architectural ensemble in De Bilt, Netherlands
Sandwijck is a large manor estate in De Bilt featuring a three-story villa built in the 1700s that shows Dutch Baroque design details. The building sits on roughly 68 hectares of land with gardens, a lake, and surrounding woods.
The property started as monastery land and became private in the mid-1600s, then was developed and expanded by several families over the centuries. In the 1800s the grounds received a new garden design that showed English influences.
The grounds contain gardens laid out with both planned layouts and wild spaces, where you can walk among uncommon tree species from around Europe. The landscape reflects how communities have taken ownership of historic estates over time.
The villa is now split into residential apartments managed by a housing organization, while a conservation group cares for the gardens and woods. Visitors can explore the outdoor areas but should check beforehand about access, as parts of the property are private.
In the 1980s the abandoned property was occupied by activists and underwent restoration through grassroots efforts over more than a decade. This volunteer-led rebuilding shaped how the place looks and functions today.
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