Aerdenhout combines architectural history with landscape: local highlights include villas and historic houses, as well as the rugged Naaldenveld inland dune. The buildings range from an early 17th-century hunting lodge to post-war designs. Their varied influences and materials give architectural history a tangible character.
Villa architecture and diverse influences
Aerdenhoutspark is Aerdenhout’s oldest villa district; its development began in 1899. De Kroft was built in 1917/18 as a home and workplace for architect J.P. Smits and his family. The design is based on late 19th-century English country-house architecture, particularly the work of R.N. Shaw and Sir E.L. Lutyens. Its construction date and architectural influence thus belong to different decades: De Kroft was built in the early 20th century but draws on an older architectural language. The house stands on the eastern edge of Oosterduin villa park, where the beach-ridge landscape meets the beach plain landscape.
Villa Looyen was built between 1948 and 1950 to a design by architect ir. B. Bijvoet and is considered a significant example of early post-war reconstruction architecture from 1940 onward. The design was inspired by Le Corbusier’s villas; glass blocks were used in its construction. The garden, including a terrace surrounding the villa, was laid out by garden architect Mien Ruys. Another connection to Le Corbusier can be found at the Adventskerk: it was built in 1957/58 to a design by architect K.L. Sijmons. Its design is strongly inspired by Le Corbusier’s work; its rough materials include concrete and untreated wood.
Historic houses and their details
De Koekoek, also known as Brouwershuisje, is an early 17th-century hunting lodge on the Koekoeksduin estate in Aerdenhout. De Olifant has a different, simpler form: this low house dates from the 18th century and has a straight cornice forming the top edge of the façade. Boekenrode is an imposing country house with a wooden doorway and a beautiful late 18th-century tea house.
The examples can be compared in several ways: the English country-house influences are significant at De Kroft; Villa Looyen is notable, among other things, for its glass blocks and garden; and De Olifant for its low profile and cornice. This means Aerdenhout’s architectural history is not reduced to a single period or style.
Inland dunes, walking routes and getting your bearings
Naaldenveld is a rugged inland dune in Aerdenhout managed by Landschap Noord-Holland. The Rondje Aerdenhout (purple) walking route starts at Heemstede-Aerdenhout railway station and is easily accessible by public transport. This gives the route a specific starting point for planning. The station also has a StationsHuiskamer, where travellers can wait and make use of passenger facilities.
Three off-leash areas for dogs are designated in Aerdenhout: a footpath between Van Vollenhovenlaan and Leeuwerikenlaan, a wood between Juliana van Stolberglaan and Bentveldseweg, and Mr. H. Enschedépark. Those wishing to include nearby destinations will find Buitenplaats Elswout north of Aerdenhout, with three waymarked walking routes. Further afield, the Haarlemroute passes through the three adjoining country estates of Woestduin, Vinkenduin and Leyduin. These locations differ in how far they are from Aerdenhout: Elswout lies to the north, while the Haarlemroute runs through the wider region.
Discover more destinations: Bloemendaal, Vogelenzang, Overveen.
Return to the main travel overview: Bloemendaal.
