Experience one of Netherland’s most captivating palatial grounds, Het Loo, the former retreat of William of Orange during the Dutch Golden Age.
Built as a hunting lodge in 1684, away in the woods, far from The Hague, William of Orange used it as a retreatfrom public life. This idyllic setting became known as Het Loo, and its enchanting Dutch baroque garden—originally designed by French landscape architect, Claude Desgotz—was created for William and his wife, Mary, who would later ascend to the English throne.
Visitors see Het Loo as 'the Versailles of Holland', because of its axial layout, fountains, parterres and statues. Dutch critics acknowledge a debt to French ideas but emphasise its national identity. William of Orange had, after all, been made stadtholder of the Netherlands to resist Louis XIV's power and Roman Catholicism.
But rather than dominate the landscape, as at Versailles, Het Loo is an enclosed space, tucked into the woods for private enjoyment. This magnificent suite of formal gardens, situated within the 17th-century grounds of the former royal residence, Paleis Het Loo, has undergone two meticulous restorations.
The first in restoration in 1984 recreated the lost formal garden from 1684, which had given way to the fashionable landscape park trend of the era. The original garden was fully restored according to Desgotz design, in honour of its 300th anniversary. It was the 20th century enthusiasm for garden history that saw 18th and 19th century modifications dispensed, to allow a full re-creation of the original.
The Great Garden features a central axis with radiating walks, graced with fountains, parterres and statues. The Upper Garden is enclosed by a semi-circular pavilion (gloriette) which offers expansive views over the garden. This garden is separated from the Grand Garden by a canal.
Characteristic of the 17th-century origin are the elegant box-lined and turf-cut parterres grouped around the central axis, planted with closely trimmed box hedges in decorative scroll patterns, called ‘broderie’ parterres.
The King’s Garden is a courtyard with octagonal fountain. The parterre has an elaborate scrolled design, edged with buxus (boxwood) in broderie pattern and set against a white pebble background.
The main garden, with rectangular beds instead of more elaborately shaped ones, is an enclosed space surrounded by a raised walk typical of a Renaissance Garden. At its far end a shaded crosswalk of trees disguises the central vista. The orange trees are set out in wooden boxes and wintered in an orangery. The outer garden has formal avenues for hunting and for scenic effect.
The second restoration, unveiled in April 2023, impeccably recreates the 17th-century Dutch baroque building, gracing three sides of a courtyard. But hidden beneath this courtyard lies an extraordinary modern museum, a feat of innovative engineering. This €171 million restoration project includes an orangery housing 200 citrus trees, classic gardens, William’s renowned fountain and a restoration of their 17th-century private apartments.
For an unforgettable experience, don't miss the panoramic view from the roof of the palace, a captivating vista to appreciate the intricate detail of the parterre design.
Come with us
Het Loo is included in our tour of Europe’s Finest Gardens: 8–22 May 2024. This grand tour starts at Keukenhof in Amsterdam and finishes at the Chelsea Flower Show in London with five nights in Amsterdam, five nights in Paris and five nights in London. What a ride!
For details call Ross Garden Tours 1300 233 200 or visitrosstours.com/europe
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