Castle De Haar

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The castle is the most beautiful kept castle that we have every seen. There was an old castle on the site. 100 years ago Baron van Zuylen decided to rebuilt it completely with all the modern conveniences. There is a lift, heated floor, hot and cold running water, electric lighting and the most state-of-the-art kitchen for the time. It took 20 years to build the castle. The architect was the same man who built lots of churches, the Rijksmuseum, and Amsterdam central station.

We were guided by a lovely gentleman who spoke mostly in English for Raewyn's benefit. His knowledge of the place and the family was amazing.

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The trees for the park were apparently uprooted from a forest on the other side of Utrecht. In order to get the big trees through the streets of Utrecht, 3 houses on one street corner were demolished in order for them to fit. The families were rehoused in the village. Other family homes were demolished in the construction of the park. They also moved to the village.

The village of Haarzuilens is very quaint. Many of the houses belong to the Baron. They are easily identified by the red and white window shutters.