Nederland - Lisse, Kasteel Keukenhof

Castle Keukenhof (as the famous garden) has a rich history. The area was part of Teylingen Castle, where during the 15th century game was hunted and food collected in the woods and dunes for the kitchen of the castle (‘Keukenhof’ got its name, which means ‘kitchen courtyard’ in Dutch).

The castle was constructed in 1642 by Adriaen Maertenszoon Block, a former Commander of the V.O.C. (United East Indian Company) and is connected to the success of Holland’s Golden Age. The house was initially intended as a country retreat, where the family could spend the summer months.
Block slowly expanded the property and even became the biggest landowner in the area. In the following centuries the estate kept growing. Castle Keukenhof is one of the few surviving country estates on Hollands west coast.

In the mid-19th century a rich noble family from The Hague bought the estate and transformed the house into 'the castle' in its present condition.

Castle Keukenhof is located across the entrance of the world famous Keukenhof, garden and flower exposition.