Vollenhoven, De Bilt, Historic estate with Dutch Baroque architecture in De Bilt, Netherlands.
Vollenhoven is a country house featuring Dutch Baroque architecture, set on a natural stone foundation with a nine-section facade framed by Ionian pilasters and four gable roofs covered in gray slate. The complex includes an Orangerie building, service structures, and gardens that extend across the entire property, forming a unified estate layout.
The estate originated in the 17th century as an outlying farm belonging to Oostbroek monastery and became a private property when sold to Gerard van Reede van Niederhorst in 1651. A brick arch bridge from 1782 featuring a wrought iron balustrade was later added and marks a significant development of that era.
The gardens reflect Dutch landscape design principles, with maintained vegetable and fruit beds that demonstrate historical cultivation methods still in use today. Visitors can see how traditional gardening practices continue to shape the rhythm of daily life on the property.
Walking paths are maintained throughout the estate and free downloadable maps help visitors navigate the grounds independently without guided tours. The gardens are accessible during daylight hours and offer shaded areas as well as open lawns for sitting and observing the surroundings.
A commemorative stone on the bridge displays an inscription with a name and the date 1782, a detail that most visitors overlook at first glance. This engraved record creates a personal connection to the past and brings the history of the place to life in a tangible way.
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