Duivenstein, nestled in the picturesque town of Leidschendam-Voorburg in the Netherlands, is a historical gem that transports visitors back to a bygone era. This enchanting estate, which dates back to the early 17th century, offers a captivating journey through Dutch history, architecture, and the serene beauty of the South Holland countryside.
The story of Duivenstein begins in the late 14th century when Dirck van Duvenvoorde held the estate of Klein-Duvenvoorde as a fief from his brother Arent, the lord of Duivenvoorde Castle in Voorschoten. The estate remained in the family until the late 16th century. Interestingly, during the demolition of the estate in the early 17th century by Johan Uytenhage de Mist, heavy foundations were discovered, hinting at the presence of an even older castle on the site.
In 1606, Johan Uytenhage de Mist purchased Duivenstein. The medieval estate was in such a state of disrepair that he decided to demolish it and divide the land into two strips, constructing a farmhouse on each: West-Duivenstein and Oost-Duivenstein (also known as Elsberg). West-Duivenstein was adorned with a manor house, making it suitable for use as a country retreat by Johan. After his death in 1618, the estate was divided among his children, with his nephew Johan Rampius van Swieten eventually inheriting both farms in 1685. He sold them to Mr. Hendrick de Vaal, whose widow became the owner after his death in 1701.
In 1751, Caspar Clotterbrooke sold West-Duivenstein to Abraham de Back, separating the ownership of the two farms. The ownership of West-Duivenstein changed hands several times until it was acquired by Daniel Willem Abraham Patijn in 1832. In 1844, he also inherited Oost-Duivenstein from his sister Johanna, reuniting the two farms once more.
In 1848, Daniel's nephew Adriaan van Oyen inherited both farms and decided to demolish the manor house at West-Duivenstein, except for the upper room. After Adriaan's death in 1857, his children sold the 25-hectare estate at a public auction held at Logement De Zwaan. The new owners, Abraham van Duyn and his wife Elisabeth Koch, passed away without heirs, leading to Menno baron de Girard de Mielet van Coehoorn purchasing the estate in 1893. His descendants sold Duivenstein in 1931 to a real estate company planning to build a road over the estate. Eventually, the company sold the two farms to the municipality of Voorburg in 1955.
In 1980, the municipality decided to demolish West-Duivenstein, sparking protests from local residents, and the farm was even occupied by squatters. Although the municipality abandoned the demolition plans, the farm was ultimately demolished in 1987 due to its dilapidated condition. New construction was erected on the site, inspired by the form and appearance of the demolished farm.
Oost-Duivenstein, built in 1612 by Johan Uytenhage de Mist, remains a testament to the agricultural heritage of the region. Unlike West-Duivenstein, which featured a luxurious manor house, Oost-Duivenstein, also known as Elsberg, was a true farmhouse. The plastered residential section with a gabled roof and an upper room on the right side has been preserved. The stable with a hipped roof was renovated in the 19th century. Today, Oost-Duivenstein stands as a national monument, surrounded by sports fields and serving as the clubhouse for hockey club Cartouche.
Visitors to Duivenstein can immerse themselves in the rich history and heritage of this remarkable estate. The remnants of the 14th-century estate, possibly built on the foundations of an even older castle, add an air of mystery to the site. Although no images of the original estate exist, the location just north of the former West-Duivenstein farm offers a glimpse into the past. The canals that once surrounded the estate were visible until the 1980s when they were filled in for housing development.
Today, Duivenstein stands as a symbol of the enduring legacy of Dutch history and architecture. The 17th-century gate from 1612 still remains, offering a tangible connection to the past. As visitors explore the gardens, orchards, and kitchen gardens that once surrounded the farms, they can envision the vibrant life that once thrived here. The tea pavilion along the Vliet canal, accessible via a charming lane, provides a serene spot to reflect on the estate's storied past.
Duivenstein, with its rich history, architectural beauty, and tranquil surroundings, is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to experience the charm and heritage of Leidschendam-Voorburg. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Duivenstein offers a captivating journey through time.
Get your Tickets now!
With myCityHunt you can discover thousands of cities around the world in exciting scavenger hunts, treasure hunts and escape games!
myCityHunt vouchers are the perfect gift for many occasions! Surprise your friends and family with this extraordinary event gift. myCityHunt gift vouchers are valid for 2 years from the date of purchase and can be used within this period for a freely selectable city and tour from the myCityHunt portfolio.
Buy Gift Vouchers
