Soestdijk Palace - Baarn

Soestdijk Palace is currently closed for renovation and redevelopment into a national innovation centre, including a hotel, public spaces and exhibitions. Opposite the palace you will find the information centre and country market De Parade, where you are welcome to visit. Check the website of Soestdijk Palace for the current opening times of De Parade.

Soestdijk is nationally known as a former residence of the House of Orange. Originally, however, it was an Amsterdam country estate. It was built by Amsterdam mayor Cornelis de Graeff along the dike road between Baarn and Soest. The complex was originally called De Hofstede aen Zoestdijck. His son, Jacob de Graeff, later sold the estate to Stadtholder William III.

In 1795, the family lost the hunting lodge. Under French influence, Soestdijk was nationalised. In 1815, the future King William II received the estate as a gift for his role in battles against the French. His Russian wife, Princess Anna Paulowna, had Soestdijk transformed into a true summer palace.

After 1815, the palace gained its characteristic wings. It is possible that nearby Groeneveld Castle served as inspiration. Both buildings have a corps de logis, a central square-shaped main section. Queen Mother Emma was particularly fond of staying here.

Soestdijk Palace was only permanently inhabited from 1937, when Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard moved in. They lived there until their deaths in 2004. Since 1971, the palace has been state property, although in recent years it has become privately owned.