Honselersdijk

Geschiedenis

Honselersdijk is a town in the Dutch province of South Holland. It is home to the historic Huis Honselaarsdijk, former palatial estate of the Dutch Princes of Orange. Huis Honselaarsdijk was one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture and grounds in the history of The Netherlands. Today, only part of the outbuildings remain, and these are referred to locally as "De Nederhof".Honselersdijk is part of the municipality of Westland, and lies about 2.6km southwest of the border of The Hague, with a population of approximately 5,180.The statistical area "Honselersdijk", which also includes the surrounding countryside and part of the hamlet Mariëndijk, has a total population of approximately 7,460.Today, Honselersdijk is home to one of the largest flower auctions in the world, Royal Flora Holland.History of Huis HonselaarsdijkThe earliest monumental property in Honselersdijk dates back to the 16th-century castle, which was constructed as a home for the Princes of Arenberg. It was subsequently acquired in 1612 by Prince Frederick Henry to be used as a hunting lodge and his primary summer residence.The castle was demolished and replaced in the mid-17th century by a Baroque-inspired moated house and gardens. After the death of his father, Prince William II began a major reconstruction of the property, again inspired by Baroque architecture. Whilst not all of the original plans for galleries and pavilions were adhered to at that time, later William III and Mary would continue the adaptation of the property to become one of the most significant gathering points for the aristocracy en route to England or the city of The Hague.