History and future of the palace garden

Why Soestdijk is still popular

For centuries, Soestdijk has been a beloved residence for stadtholders, kings, queens, princes, and princesses. Not only for the stately palace or enchanting gardens, but especially for the clean air and tranquility of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. Its location, nestled amidst greenery between Soest and Baarn, offered a perfect escape from the bustle of cities like The Hague and Amsterdam. Here, one could walk, hunt, relax—and breathe freely.

This combination of natural beauty, serene tranquility, and a rich royal history makes the palace park a beloved place to this day, also for new generations.

The landscape of Soestdijk Palace

The estate's history begins in 1674, when stadtholder William III purchased the Soestdijk hunting lodge. He commissioned a garden there in the French style: symmetrical, cleanly designed with graceful patterns of low shrubs, statues, fountains, and geometrically laid-out fields. This style represented order, control, and stateliness – befitting the stadtholder's role.

At the end of the eighteenth century, that image changed. Around 1780, Stadtholder William V commissioned his architect Philips Willem Schonk to design the park in the English landscape style. This style gave space to the capriciousness of nature: long sightlines, winding paths, rolling lawns, a pond with an island, and a stream meandering through the landscape. After 1815, this natural character was further enhanced by landscape architects Johan David Zocher Sr. and Jan David Zocher Jr.

Under King William II, who received the palace in 1815 in gratitude for his role in the Napoleonic Wars, the park was not only expanded but also embellished. Bridges, pavilions, a chalet, and an orangery appeared – all carefully integrated into the green setting. Zoestdijk became a romantic country retreat, a sanctuary where nature and royal dignity merged.

Throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the palace remained in use by the royal family. King William III, Queen Emma, Queen Wilhelmina, Queen Juliana, and Prince Bernhard all chose Soestdijk as a summer residence or permanent home. The healthy environment, the proximity to nature, and the seclusion of the estate made it a safe and pleasant place for growing up princes and princesses.

A new chapter: sculpture garden and public park

The Palace Gardens will open as an inspiring meeting place for the general public, with changing exhibitions, small gatherings, and cultural activities. The Orangerie will be revitalized as a high-quality brasserie. Under the leadership of the current owners, Ton and Maya Meyer-Bergmans, the park will be transformed into a sculpture garden and cultural destination where art, heritage, and nature converge.

Soestdijk builds on a rich tradition of encounters. While it served as a meeting place for the nobility and elite in the 17th century and a symbol of national unity in the 20th century, the estate is now an accessible place for everyone.

In the 21st century, Soestdijk is all about connection: between past and future, between people and social issues. The estate offers space for innovation, inspiration, and stories that contribute to a shared future. Soestdijk thus remains a significant place – not only as a historical icon but also as a platform for innovation.

For current opening hours en information about events: visit the official website from Soestdijk Palace.

Image: “View of Soestdijk Palace,” Cornelis de Kruyf 1784- 1828