Clingendael - Den Haag

Clingendael was an estate with a prominent family at the helm. In the old days, that is, because nowadays it belongs to the municipality of The Hague. The atmosphere is completely different from Ockenburgh, although both parks are located on dune land. In Clingendael, you can sense the proximity of Benoordenhout, the distinguished district of The Hague that, together with Wassenaar, gently embraces the park.

The former country house now houses the offices of the Clingendael Institute. Its staff, mostly 'expats', deal with international relations. Just as international are the companies that picnic in the meadows in summer.

Clingendael is all about sophistication. The Japanese Garden, a hobby of Freule Van Brienen from the beginning of the last century, is the only one in the Netherlands. Open only for a short time in spring and the epitome of elegance. The latter is a funny contrast to the plump thick-boned cattle in the surrounding fields. Those pastures, by the way, are leased by The Hague's last farmer, who also lives here.

Photos: Matthijs Termeer