Hardenbroek Castle

Hardenbroek Castle, locally known as Kasteel Hardenbroek, lies between the villages of Cothen and Werkhoven, in the province of Utrecht in the Netherlands.

Hardenbroek Castle was first mentioned in 1331 when it was owned by the Van Hardenbroek family, who were a younger branch of the Van Sterkenburg family. At that time it probably was just a tower house. In 1536 the castle was granted the title 'Ridderhofstad' (knightly manor).

The Van Hardenbroek family kept the castle until 1684 when it was sold to Squire Adriaan van Rossem. His son carried out a major rebuilding in 1694. In 1733 it was sold again and renovated by Willem Kerckrinck. In 1748 the castle came back into the hands of the Van Hardenbroek family when it was sold to Johan Adolph van Hardenbroek. Around 1790 a last major renovation of the castle was carried out. These 3 renovations had completely altered the appearance of the medieval castle into an 18th century mansion. Traces of medieval brickwork remained only in its eastern facade.

The Van Hardenbroek family then resided in Hardenbroek Castle until 1917 when it was rented out. In 1942 the family moved back in and now a descendant still lives here.

At present Hardenbroek Castle is a private residence and can not be visited. I must say I preferred its 17th century appearance over its present, rather dull, look.

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