House Doorn

The originally medieval Huis Doorn was recognized as a knightly court in 1536 and later remodeled into a significant residence in the 16th and 17th centuries. At the beginning of the 18th century, the house received a central view axis on the Heuvelrug. This is the current Gezichtslaan, which now has no visual relationship with the house. At the end of the 18th century, the house was extensively remodeled in neoclassical style on the orders of Wendela E. ten Hove. A round tower from the knightly court was preserved. Architect B.W.H. Ziesenis was involved in the renovation, but to what extent is unclear. Alongside the renovation, work commenced on the landscaping of the park, which continued in the 19th century. Characteristic of the park is the large meandering pond, created by merging two 18th-century carp ponds and the old castle moat.

In 1919, Huis Doorn was sold to the exiled German Emperor Wilhelm II. He had a new gatehouse built by architect H.A. Pothoven in 1920. The building was inspired by the Dutch Renaissance style. He also had some gardens laid out and added a rose garden in 1928, which now serves as a recreational park. After the emperor's death in 1941, Huis Doorn became a museum. In 1991-1992, restoration followed according to plans by architect T. van Hoogevest.

Surrounding the house, located south of the Utrecht Heuvelrug, is a large park in landscape style. This style is characterized by a variety of open areas (often meadows), groups of trees, and dense forests. On the grounds, there is also a coach house, another orangery, a garage with a clock tower, and a pigeon house.

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