The castle is located in Oegstgeest (Poelgeesterweg 1). Presumably built by the Van Poelgeest family, is first mentioned in 1320. It likely consisted of a residential tower surrounded by marshes and pools, which explains the name ‘Poelgeest’. One of the most prominent residents of Oud-Poelgeest was Herman Boerhaave, the renowned physician, botanist, and professor at Leiden University. In 1724, Boerhaave purchased the estate as a summer residence. He used the grounds to cultivate plants for which there was no room in the Leiden Botanical Garden. He also laid out a tree and herb garden. He planted a tulip tree, the new trunks of which can still be admired today. The Boerhaave family remained owners of the estate for three generations [1].
- Photos by Luca Borghi @ (August 2025)
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