Country Estates in The Netherlands

1st January - 31st December 2012

The Netherlands has many historic estates where you can leave the modern life behind and enter a romantic setting with eighteenth century ambience. These impressive mansions used to be the only link between the rich bourgeoisie of the city and the people of the countryside. Today these country estates are an important part of our cultural heritage, including the accompanying statues, ornamental gardens, fountains, tea parlors and parks.  

Escape the City

Between 1600 and 1900 some six thousand country estates were built by the bourgeoisie in order to escape the polluted city during the summer. In these beautiful surroundings, people engaged in literature, poetry, music, botany, flowers, garden architecture and visual arts. Of all the estates there are only about 600 left, but their original purpose often has not changed. People still flee the hustle and bustle of the city to come and rest in the delightful surroundings of the mansions in the countryside.

Theme Year Historic Estates 2012

Do you want to know which estates in the Netherlands are freely accessible to the public? Visit the website of the foundation that is organizing the Theme Year Historic Estates 2012 to find out. Along with the normal festivities, extra attention will be paid to the Dutch country estates and the value of this cultural heritage in 2012. Of course you can also consult a local tourist office (VVV).