January 26, 2009

Castle looking for lord

Filed under: Architecture,General by Branko Collin @ 1:06 pm

The foundation that takes care of the Brederode Castle near Santpoort (close to Haarlem) is looking for a couple that will live in and maintain the property. Unfortunately, this is not as romantic as it sounds, as the castle itself is in ruins. Algemeen Dagblad reports (Dutch) that the foundation, Kastelenstichting Holland & Zeeland, is looking for someone who is married, who will maintain the grounds and the collections, and who will provide visitors with information and coffee. The “lord of the manor” will get to live in a house on the property.

As you can see in the illustration, Brederode was already in ruins in Hobbema’s time. The castle was built in the 13th century and given as a loaner to the Brederode family by the Count of Holland. In 1426 part of the castle was destroyed and its occupant, Lord Brederode, was forbidden to restore it, says Wikipedia. No idea if that rule still stands.

Job description here, in Dutch.

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