Blanckenhof Palace
Blanckenhof Palace (Batavian: Paleis Blanckenhof) is a palace of King Arkadius IV, where he mainly stays in the summer. The palace is located northwest of 's Koningenwaarde. The baroque palace with 1441 rooms is one of the most important architectural, cultural and historical monuments in the country.
History
King Leopold II des Vinandy had a hunting lodge built at the location of the palace. Its construction was never finished and the structure was set on fire by the unrest in 1733 (Gregorian). The territory has remained in possession of the House of Vinandy since that time. During the kingship of Arkadius II des Vinandy there were plans to build a palace, but they were not implemented.
After the ascension of Arkadius IV des Vinandy, he realized that the Royal Palace in the center of ’s Koningenwaarde is not fully adequate to withdraw from the hectic bustle of the city. When it turned out that the piece of land was still owned by the family and was extremely suitable for a new palace, the king had a design made. When asked what the name of this palace would be, the King thought of his beloved. The name "Blanckenhof" refers to the name meaning of Clara, namely "clear" and "light".
Gardens
Directly behind the palace is a baroque garden. A symmetry of straight paths, large lawns with planting beds, or parterres, shaved hedges and flower beds in clean lines. A small baroque garden can be found on the west side of the palace, adjacent to a rose garden. To the west of the large baroque garden is a maze of hedges.
To the east of the large baroque garden is the botanical garden, where a collection of trees and shrubs has been planted from all over Micras. Part of the botanical garden is the Palmenhuys, where the tropical trees and plants can be found.
The original plans also included a zoo, but Arkadius IV rejected it, due to the expected noise. The only thing that has been built is the tropical butterfly garden. The remaining part that was intended for the zoo is laid out as a landscape garden. No symmetrical paths or hedges can be found here in clear lines. There is a tea house on the pond.
The gardens are surrounded by a forest, so that the palace is shielded from the surroundings.
Open to the public
Although the palace is privately owned by Arkadius IV, the palace is regularly open to the public. This is when the king himself is absent. The most beautiful halls in the palace can then be viewed, as well as the gardens and wagon stalls. If present, the car collection of the king can be seen in the car stables.
