Villa Maarheeze, Service apartment in Wassenaar, Netherlands.
Villa Maarheeze is a residential building in Wassenaar with symmetrical design, red hand-molded bricks, and decorative lines beneath a slate-covered hipped roof. The building features multiple floors including a basement, with various rooms connected through a central hall and staircase that retains original wooden details.
The building was constructed in the late 19th century as a private residence for a wealthy owner with Far Eastern trade connections. From 1945 until 1994 it served as the headquarters of the Dutch foreign intelligence service before returning to private use.
The facade displays Eastern motifs that reflect the original owner's interest in Far Eastern culture and trade connections. These design elements remain visible today in the decorative details that give the building its character.
The building is located in a quiet residential area and is easy to spot from the street, making it simple for visitors to find. As it operates as service apartments, advance arrangement is necessary to view the interior.
The loggia balcony in the center of the facade is supported by two stone columns with Ionic capitals, an uncommon architectural feature for the period. This craftsmanship demonstrates the care taken in designing the house's exterior.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
