Castle de Haar

Kasteel de Haar near Utrecht is the largest castle in the Netherlands and a wonder of the 19th century: Baron Etienne van Zuylen and his wife Helene de Rothschild had the ruins of his family castle rebuilt from 1892 by architect Pierre Cuypers in neo-Gothic style. Cuypers, who also designed the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, used the most modern technology of the day, with electricity, central heating and a lift, making this an early example of luxurious castle living. The whole village of Haarzuilens was moved to make room for the park. The Rothschilds only used the castle for a few weeks each year, the famous September haute saison. Audio tours now lead through library, dining room and great hall; the rose garden and kitchen garden bloom across the summer months.