De Haar kasteel

Sunday afternoon, Amelia and I went to De Haar castle, which was not far from Utrecht. I stumbled upon it online and I am so glad I did! Apparently it is the most visited castle in the Netherlands! The first part of the castle was built in the 14th century but the castle that stands today was rebuilt in 1890 in true medieval style. So neat to see! The family that used to own the castle (which is no owned by the Dutch government) still comes to stay/live at the castle the entire month of September! How amazing would that be!

The castle sits on amazing grounds with small canals running throughout the property. Gardens, which I am sure are so beautiful in the summer, can been seen everywhere. The property even has a maze, tennis courts, stables and a small farm/ranch! When the castle was rebuilt in the 1890s, it was built with the most modern conveniences of the time: hot and old running water and hidden heat throughout. And the rooms.....wow, they were decorated so ornately and beautiful! I could without a doubt live here! Once again, sadly, no pictures inside!

Entrance with a drawbridge over a moat!

I loved the door!

The chateau on the right (which contains like 60 rooms!!) and the castle on the left.

Garden

There is even a chapel where the family is buried. It was so cute and mini.

Crossing the drawbridge to enter the castle. Didnt see any alligators in the moat, but I didnt stick around looking for them :)

Entrance to the castle.

The amazing view from the castle steps!

What a place!

Inside, we got to see a boy and girl room (which was so pretty decorated in ivory and pink), the dining room, ball room, hair salon, library, sitting room and main entrance hallway. And after that hour tour, the tour guide said that we only saw 7% of the castle! Gosh, to be able to see the rest! And ALL of the rooms are furnished lavishly! (Seeing all of the castles and royal palaces I sure am getting some great ideas for my house one day....lucky Stu :)) Such a great find and awesome way to spend the afternoon!

The weather here yesterday and today has been AWESOME! Sunny and almost reaching 50F in the afternoon! I am so jealous Mom and Leona got to have a great day touring Amsterdam. They saw a TON and didnt even get home until almost 9pm after leaving the apartment about 8am!!! Yesterday included: Anne Frank House, Royal Palace, Dam Square Church, hidden church in the attic, canal cruise, red light district and LOTS of shopping :)

Today, they are headed on the train to Antwerp, Belguim! Those knowing my mom knew she HAD to go once I gave her the diamond report. They were already asking this morning where the nearest ATM machines were located. Watch out Antwerp....you have two jewelry obsessed....i mean.... jewelry loving ladies on the way! (Who should really watch out are my dad and Hampton who got stuck/left back in Houston working!) With the diamond shops literally RIGHT next to the main train station, Im anxious to see if they even make it into town ;) Never the less, they are going to have an awesome time! Full report to come tomorrow.

Happy St. Pattys Day to all! Have a green beer for me!

al mijn liefde