How about stepping back in time to when knights and nobles roamed? Here at Kasteel Nederhorst, we are surrounded by centuries of history. This medieval castle lies in the Groene Hart. This is the Green Heart of Holland.
Kasteel Nederhorst began as a simple tower around 1300. Gerard van Reede van Nederhorst rebuilt it around 1630. He added four hexagonal corner towers. In the 18th century, the grounds took their present shape. Despite changes, Kasteel Nederhorst still reflects its old design.
Let’s delve deeper into the past of Kasteel Nederhorst. Imagine the families who lived here. They gained ownership through marriage inheritance or purchase. Few families held the castle for many generations. One important figure is Godard van Reede. Godard lived from 1588 to 1648.
Between 1629 and 1632 Godard had the Reevaart canal dug. This cut off a section of the Vecht River. The Reevaart saved boat travelers 3.1 kilometers. Sadly the Reevaart was filled in 1979.
During his time here Godard significantly altered Kasteel Nederhorst. It was updated to the rectangular shape with towers you see today. The castle gained a moat and a drawbridge. In 1635 the city of Utrecht gifted four stained-glass windows. These windows showed Utrecht’s coat of arms.
Tragedy struck Kasteel Nederhorst more than once. In 1673 looting French soldiers destroyed it. They could not reach Amsterdam. So they burned villages near the waterline that protected the city. The castle suffered another disaster in 1971. A fire broke out during restoration. Clocks archives and Toonder studio work all were destroyed.
The castle’s ownership has changed hands many times. Stadsherstel Amsterdam bought the estate in 2022. They plan to create rental apartments in the castle. New units will also be built on the grounds.
Notice the pillars along the driveway. These are in the Louis XIV style. Also spot the old stone defense tower section on the left outer wall. Consider the stables and coach house too. You can discover Nederhorst den Berg’s coat of arms in the flower bed near the entrance. A small piece of the Reevaart remains on Slotlaan.
Kasteel Nederhorst stands as a testament to time’s passage. It has seen wars fires and changing families. The stones beneath our feet whisper tales of those who came before us. They remind us that even ruins can be reborn.