Nederland - ’s-Graveland, Trompenburgh

The history of the estates in ‘s-Graveland dates back to the year of 1625 (during the Dutch Golden Age). In that year wealthy Amsterdam merchants did get permission to cultivate an area west of Hilversum The sandy soil was excavated and transported by boat to Amsterdam, where it was used for the expansion of the city. On the way back, the ships took manure and rubbish with them to enrich the infertile soil of 's-Graveland. Initially farms were founded on the lots and leased to farmers. Later several estates were created with country houses with park-like gardens.

Two of the plots came into the hands of “Jan van Hellemond”, a very wealthy husband of “Margaret van Raephorst”. In 1654 the couple built a luxurious country estate called De Hooge Dreuvik. After Jan's death (1665) Margaret inherited the estate. Two years later she married with Cornelis Tromp - famous Dutch admiral - who became the owner of the estate. But the manor - like many others in ‘s-Graveland - were looted and burned by the French during the Dutch War in 1672.

The country house was rebuilt from 1675 to 1684 by Tromp, who called it Sillisburgh, after one of his titles. Around 1720 “Jacob Roeters” came into possession of the estate and renamed it Trompenburgh. The house is almost entirely surrounded by water and was built to resemble a ship, even with decks and railings.

Of the many manors in 's-Graveland Trompenburgh is the most elegant.
Nowadays Trompenburgh is owned by Stichting Monumenten Bezit, a Dutch foundation acting as a national management organisation for monuments and/or buildings of cultural and historical value. The estate is not open for visitors.