Park Huize Olterterp - Olterterp

This beautiful park in Olterterp has a rich history. It used to be part of the Olterterp Estate, an estate from 1793 complete with a castle: Slot Boelens. The Van Boelens family used the former castle as a summer residence.

Ambrosius Ayzo van Boelens was the founder of both the castle and the estate. He had the gardens laid out in English landscape style. Large ponds were created and romantic corners were laid out, connected by winding paths.

Many trees were also planted. This was not done lightly: several small trees were planted in one hole so that they grew together. As a result, they grew into a kind of parasol and provided a lot of shade. That way, the nobles could walk in the shade as much as possible and could keep their light skin colour. This was the fashion in higher circles at the time, as it distinguished them from the common people. For the same reason, leafy oaks and beeches were planted on either side of the many avenues in the area.

The castle was demolished in 1906, whereupon the descendants of the family built ‘Huize Olterterp’ on the same spot. The park and manor house are now owned by association It Fryske Gea.