Description
A visit to the country house Boekesteyn in ‘s-Graveland in the province of North Holland, the Netherlands. Then a walk through the estate gardens and forest behind it, ending up in Hilversum.
My mother’s maiden name is Boekestijn. Although the country house Boekesteyn is not related to the family name, I thought it would be fun to visit it someday. The house was originally built in 1720. In 1770 it was replaced by a new one, after a change in ownership. At that time it acquired the name Boekesteyn. Apparently “boeke” is old-Dutch for “beuk” (beech), and the name refers to the many beech trees on the estate.
The house and estate changed ownership again in 1785, and from 1810 onward the gardens were completely redesigned. During a renovation around 1920, by yet another owner, the tower was added. In 1950 the private ownership of the estate ended. Currently it is a national monument, and the estate and gardens are publicly accessible.
Details of the walk and a slideshow with photographs follow below.
Map & GPS data
- Total length : 6km
- Elevation : +/-0m (low: 50m; high: 50m)
- GPS track : Boekesteyn.gpx
- Nearby places : Hilversum
- Public transport : Train to Hilversum, then bus 106 to the stop Klapbrug (‘s-Graveland). Train from Hilversum Media Park for the return.