Huize Westerhout

Nestled within the charming town of Beverwijk, stands Huize Westerhout. A grand manor house, it whispers tales of bygone eras. Huize Westerhout isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to the passage of time, reflecting the changing fortunes of the families who called it home. The original structure, a humble farmhouse, was purchased in 1627 by Balthasar Coymans. This Amsterdam regent had grand visions. He transformed the simple dwelling into a stately mansion. He even extended his land, reaching all the way to the dunes. Later, in 1814, the Boreel family took ownership of Huize Westerhout. They left their own mark. They demolished the old Coymans mansion and built a new one. This new house wouldn’t last forever. In 1896, it too was replaced. Mayor Gerard Salomon Boreel commissioned a new manor in the Dutch Neo-Renaissance style. The architects, the Van Nieukerken family, incorporated elements of the old house into the new design, a nod to the past. This Huize Westerhout, the one we see today, stands as a symbol of continuity and change. After housing the Boreel family for generations, Huize Westerhout was sold to the municipality of Beverwijk around 1965. It became home to the Stedelijke Muziekschool Beverwijk. Now a grand café, it continues to serve the community, offering a taste of history alongside its menu. Huize Westerhout stands proudly, having witnessed centuries of history unfold. From farmhouse to grand manor, music school to café, Huize Westerhout continues to evolve. Yet, it retains its enduring charm, a timeless treasure in the heart of Beverwijk.