A new home for the Royal Dutch family
The Dutch Royals moved into their revamped new home six months ago after 15 years living in Villa De Eikenhorst, a more modest residence located in Wassenaar, very close to The Hague.
Queen Maxima and her family's new home had to go through major renovations that took five years and cost 63 million euros. Huis Ten Bosch has been the official residence of the living monarch since 1981. Queen Emeritus Beatrix, Willem-Alexander's mother, lived there for more than 30 years. But from now on, it will be her son, Willem, along with Queen Maxima and princesses Amalia, Alexia and Ariana who will make the palace their own.
This is the first time the Royal House opens the doors to the property, and we've got a ~royal~ glimpse. Come on in as we reveal all the curiosities of the extraordinary royal palace!
The House in the Woods
Huis Ten Bosch - the house in the woods- is a XVII century manor located in the outskirts of The Hague. The almost thirty thousand square foot property is surrounded by woodland and had to be completely refurbished due to several structural issues.
Welcome home
The palace grand hall displays a stunning LED installation signed by Studio Drift, representing the relationship among nature, technology and human mankind. The earth globes and the magnificent rug add warmth to the beautiful entrance.
The Blue Salon
The blue salon is one of the coziest rooms in the palace. Blue sofas and lamps create the perfect space for the family. The mural on the walls are authentic works of art. A giant collage by Maurice Scheltens and Liesbeth Abbenes, represent key elements in the life of the family such as King Willem's cape on the day of his coronation.
A very special collage
Enter the Blue room and you'll see special details lining the walls. A cot with a canopy can be seen as a tribute to the princesses' births and the chairs are ones the young royals used when they were little. One of them even has Amalia's name on the back. So sweet!
Science in the decor
What used to be the Green Room back in the day is now known as the DNA room. Queen Maxima is really interested in genetic investigation, so artist Jacob van der Beugel used sixty-thousand tiles to create a work of art representing King Willem, Queen Maxima and Princess Amalia's DNA sequence to cover the walls. The most modern way of portraying the new royal generation.
Asia is the inspiration
The beautiful garden-facing Japanese room is light, airy and a tribute to Asia. Delicate drawings from the land of the rising sun line the walls.
Time to tea
And of course, there is no palace without a Chinese hall. The delicate design of the room, with beautiful paintings that even match the sofa's fabric, create an elegant environment for any private reception.
Timeless elegance
The white dining room still displays the same charm as it did centuries ago when it was first built in 1734. Beautiful carpets and a grand dining table are the key elements in this timeless room.
The Yellow salon
Another grand reception room for official commitments. The Yellow room is an elegant, classic space with beautiful wooden floors.
A ballroom that was a museum
The Oranjezaal, or Orange Room, is decorated with paintings by Jacob Jordaens, (Rembrandt´s pupil), or Salomon de Bray. Its grandeur has been on display in several official dates. Along with the Chinese room, it was part of the first National Museum of The Netherlands. Former President Barack Obama could appreciate the beauty of the room during the Nuclear Security Banquet that took place under its dome.
The personal touch
King Willem and wife Queen Maxima have put special care in their new home's decor. The Palace is full of details that speak about the past, present and future of the Royal family.