De Haar Castle

History on a grand scale

Situated near Utrecht, it is one of the few castles in Europe that match the ideal image of a medieval fortress, with towers, ramparts, canals, gates and drawbridges. The castle was entirely restored and partially rebuilt in the late 19th century and it rises like a fairy-tale structure from a park with impressive trees, surrounded by old gardens and ponds.

Be amazed at the very un-Dutch luxury in which the Van Zuylen family and their guests lived amidst a wealth of history and art. For over a century it has remained a tradition for the Van Zuylen van Nijevelt van de Haar family to reside in the castle for one month a year, each September, entertaining prominent international guests at lavish house parties. Famous guests included Coco Chanel, Maria Callas, Gregory Peck, Roger Moore, Yves Saint Laurent, Joan Collins and Brigitte Bardot.