The Dutch Versailles
Looking like something out of a Disney movie, De Haar Castle (Kasteel de Haar) is the largest and most luxurious castle in the Netherlands. Located near Utrecht, its silhouette of towers, ramparts, moats, and drawbridges is the very definition of a medieval fortress. However, what you see today is actually a 19th-century recreation. While a castle has stood on this spot since 1391, it fell into ruin over the centuries. In 1890, the desolate ruins were inherited by Baron Etienne van Zuylen van Nijevelt. He married Hélène de Rothschild, of the wealthy French banking family, and together they decided to rebuild the ancestral home—sparing no expense.
The Cuypers Restoration
To realize their vision, the Baron and Baroness hired the most famous Dutch architect of the time, Pierre Cuypers, who also designed the Rijksmuseum and Amsterdam Central Station. The project took 20 years (1892–1912). Cuypers didn't just restore the castle; he reimagined it as a neo-Gothic fantasy, bigger and grander than it ever was in the Middle Ages. He added towers, expanded wings, and covered every inch of the interior with intricate decoration.
The interior was equipped with the most modern technologies available at the turn of the century, including electrical lighting, steam heating, and a modern kitchen. However, these modern conveniences were cleverly hidden to preserve the medieval atmosphere. The result is a house that offers the look of the 15th century with the comfort of the 20th century, often compared to the 'Gilded Age' mansions of Newport, Rhode Island.
A House of Parties
For most of the 20th century, the Van Zuylen family used De Haar strictly as a summer residence/holiday home for one month a year (September). During this time, they hosted lavish house parties for the international jet set. Guests included Coco Chanel, Maria Callas, Gregory Peck, Roger Moore, and Brigitte Bardot. The castle became famous for its opulence and lack of rigid protocol, a place where the rich and famous could relax in privacy.
The interior reflects this cosmopolitan lifestyle. The Main Hall (Main Hall) is a cathedral-like space with a carved wooden ceiling, stained glass windows, and Flemish tapestries. The bedrooms and guest suites are decorated with an eclectic mix of antiques, from Japanese ceramics to Louis XVI furniture, collected by the Baron and Baroness on their travels. One curious detail is the Baron's obsession with his family crest (columns); it appears thousands of times throughout the castle, on everything from the wallpaper to the cutlery. In the kitchen, the copper pots and pans are all monogrammed, and the massive roasting spit could feed an army of guests.
The Moving of the Village
The scale of the rebuilding project was so immense that it required moving an entire village. The village of Haarzuilens originally stood right next to the castle walls. To create the vast English landscape park that the Baron desired, the entire village was demolished and rebuilt about a mile further west. The new village was designed in a pseudo-medieval style to match the castle, and to this day, all the shutters and doors in Haarzuilens are painted in the red and white heraldic colors of the Van Zuylen family. It is a rare example of a 'model village' built entirely for aesthetic reasons.
The Park and Gardens
The park surrounding the castle covers 135 acres. It was designed by landscape architect Hendrik Copijn. To give the garden an instantly mature look, the Baron ordered 7,000 fully grown trees (some 40 years old) to be transported across the city of Utrecht by horse and cart. This caused chaos in the city, as streetlights had to be removed to let the trees pass, but the Baron paid for all the damage.
Today, visitors can wander through the Rose Garden (with over 1,200 roses), the Roman Garden, and the deer park. The contrast between the formal French gardens near the castle and the wilder English parkland further out creates a stunning variety of landscapes. The park is also used for large events, including the Elfia fantasy fair, which fits perfectly with the castle's storybook appearance. The maze, once a feature of the garden, has been restored, offering fun for younger visitors.
Visitor Information
De Haar Castle is open daily to visitors. It is located in Haarzuilens, a short drive or bus ride from Utrecht. Since 2000, the castle has been owned by a foundation (Kasteel de Haar), ensuring its preservation, though the family retains the right to stay there for one month a year (usually in September). During this time, some parts of the castle may be closed to the public.
A visit to De Haar is a glimpse into a world of unimaginable privilege and style. It is not just a monument to medieval history, but a monument to the 'Art of Living' of the belle époque aristocracy, preserved in amber. It stands as a testament to what unlimited wealth and a romantic vision can achieve, bridging the gap between a feudal past and a luxurious modern future.