“A haven of peace” whispered the old woman tending her geraniums. This is the Hofje van Willem Heythuijsen. It’s not in Amsterdam but Haarlem a charming city nearby. Built in 1650 it is a testament to the generosity of Willem van Heythuijsen a wealthy textile merchant. He left his fortune to create this peaceful refuge for the less fortunate.
Willem van Heythuijsen a fascinating man never married. He lived with his sister. His will stipulated that after his sister’s death the remaining funds would establish a hofje. Sadly both Willem and his sister died in 1650. Construction began that very year. The Hofje is unique. It isn’t built around a central courtyard like most. Instead a garden sits beside it. The original part includes a small tower building dating back to 1600.
Initially the Hofje housed men and women. Six dwellings could be occupied by couples. However it soon became exclusively for women a common practice in Haarlem’s hofjes. A Frans Hals painting of Willem himself once adorned the regents’ room. This portrait painted in 1634 was eventually sold. It fetched nearly 9 million euros at auction in 2008. It was a masterpiece.
The Hofje underwent restoration in 1985. Today there are nine dwellings each roughly 35 square meters. They provide affordable housing for both men and women. In 2003 two smaller houses were combined creating one larger home.
Walk along the serene paths and imagine the lives lived within these walls. Hear the echoes of centuries past. Feel the warmth of the sun on your face. The Hofje van Willem Heythuijsen is more than just a collection of houses. It’s a living piece of history a testament to kindness and enduring legacy. It’s a testament to a man’s generosity and enduring impact on Haarlem.