Duinvliet country estate - Haarlem

In the late 16th century, this Haarlem estate was home to a dune mire, where the duty dune master lived. In the early 17th century, there was possibly a hunting lodge named Tetrode or Tetroo, according to a map from that period. Later, a homestead was built on the site, probably commissioned by Amsterdam mayor Joan Munter (1611-1685), who owned the estate until he sold it to Joseph Haskenstilis in 1682. Haskenstilis had an even more luxurious homestead built there as a country residence and named it Duinvliet.

When the wealthy merchant and banker Willem Borski, who lived on Elswout Estate, bought the estate in 1811, it was still an impressive estate. Unfortunately, the estate fell into disrepair and was demolished around 1878. The beautiful ponds were filled in and trees were cut down. Today, the estate is a city park, without imposing holiday homes, but with a beautiful forest, monumental trees, a beech avenue and rich flora and fauna, so close to the big city.

Park your bike here to pause and think back to all those special residents who have passed through here.

Old photos: North Holland Archive