- Menkemaborg (Uithuizen, in Groningen province, Holland): A borg is the Groningen version of a stately home, developed from an earlier, defensive structure. Once home to Groningen landed gentry, Menkemaborg is a fine example of the style. Rebuilt in the 1700s, it was owned by the same family until the beginning of the 20th century. Nowadays it's a museum, with period furnishings re-creating a vivid picture of the life and times of a wealthy provincial squire.
- Het Loo Palace (near Apeldoorn, Holland): William III, who became king of England, had a royal hunting lodge built here in the forests surrounding Apeldoorn. Subsequent members of the House of Orange made alterations to the palace, especially during the 19th century. Restoration has revealed much of the original decoration, and what couldn't be saved has been redesigned according to the original plans. The gardens have been restored to their original 17th-century splendor.
- Ammersoyen Castle (near 's-Hertogenbosch, Holland): This magnificent example of a moated fortress, with sturdy towers at each corner, dates from the second half of the 13th century. Ammersoyen's history was turbulent -- it burned down in 1590 and was left in ruins for half a century before being rebuilt.
Netherlands Travel Experiences
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Wind, no wind, swimming, singing, debauchery
And this is how we got stuck off the coast of the Netherlands...We were sailing along slowly but surely but then one beautiful afternoon... Continue reading »
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House Exchange in the Netherlands
We arrivied at Schipol Airport, met by Miriem & Joop, friends of our house exchange hosts. Warm, friendly couple who arri... Continue reading »
