Once in a blue moon I manage to see something of my own country. And every time, I am struck by how lovely it still is, despite being clogged up by traffic and swallowed whole by building projects. Recently I visited Oudewater and nearby Kasteel de Haar.
But first I'll tell you about Oudewater.
Now, don't expect a guidebook text; I am not a travel writer. I simply natter on about my likes and dislikes. And about gardens, of course!
Oudewater is a quaint 17th century town in the province of Utrecht, with tiny bits of 16th century still intact. But it got its town rights in 1265, and hey-ho, that is an old town, right?!
Like in my own old town, most of its surviving houses are 17th century, undoubtedly due to the original older wooden houses not surviving. (How am I doing so far?)
Our destination was specific: the old Heksenwaag, or Witches weigh house.
During the horrific persecution of witches that swept Europe in the 15th to 18th century, Oudewater provided a very important document which could save your life. You could step on the scales and get weighed. Too light, and you were a witch. Heavy enough, and no strangulation, drowning or pyre for you.
Definitely not a witch!
The Heksenwaag is a museum about the history of this persecution, and well worth a visit! Especially because it draws parallels with our day and age.
This castle was built on the ruin of the old one in 1892, by a blatantly rich family, who hired designer and architect Pierre Cuypers. Now, style is very personal. This style was state of the art in 1892. Love it or hate it, it certainly is impressive. What I like about it, is the history and the for me very important fact that it sits in the middle of an English Landscape garden.
Yes, that garden was, to me, wonderfully lovelier than all the riches inside. But do take the tour if you get there! I'll give you one example, and then it's back to that garden.
Sorry, plants are my 'thing', hahaha.
This is the part with the Dahlia borders, on the side of the castle. And gosh, those Dahlias! Gorgeous!
There were many, many more! And all looking good, despite the bone-dry summer.
I took many photos of the interior of the castle, but this is a garden blog...so...
We will have to return to see the Roman garden and the maze...there simply was not enough time. If you ever get to my country, do take time off to visit this castle. You will not be disappointed.
Okay, time to say bye bye. Do follow this blog if you like it, leave me a comment, or drop me a line on my website Renée Grashoff Schrijft
That beech! Trees are simply the best!
Renée Grashoff
