Castle De Hooge Vuursche - Baarn

In the so-called Laagte van Pijnenburg lies the hamlet of Vuursche, a lower-lying part of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. Besides De Hooge Vuursche, there is also De Lage Vuursche. The name is believed to originate from toponymy and refers to the toxic gorse shrub, which once grew abundantly on the poor, sandy soils of this wooded area.

In the 19th century, De Hooge Vuursche came into the possession of Louise Rutgers van Rozenburg. After her death, the architect Eduard Cuypers (known for the railway station in Den Bosch) was commissioned by the widower Johannes A. van den Bosch to design the current complex. Due to his maritime interests, the house features many nautical ornaments.

The castle was purchased in 1975 by Heineken, which used it as a training centre for commercial staff. After the kidnapping of Freddy Heineken in 1983, one wing was made bulletproof and served as a safe house.

Castle De Hooge Vuursche is located on a vast estate between Hilversum and Baarn, surrounded by forests and tranquillity. From the terrace, you look out over the pond with a fountain and the terraced gardens.

In recent years, the castle has been renovated and now has a contemporary and atmospheric appearance, with warm and natural colours.

Today, the castle can be hired as a wedding and event venue.