Museum Landgoed Verhildersum
Stroll through history and get immersed in history during a surprising visit to this rough diamond on the Hoogeland, Landgoed Borg Verhildersum.
Take a closer look
On the Hoogeland, in the north-west of Groningen, near the Lauwersmeer area and the Wadden Sea, lies the village of Leens. This beautiful place is surrounded by old trees, endless fields, winding canals, wierden and borgen. Here, on the outskirts of the village, lies Landgoed Borg Verhildersum. This 32-hectare world of history and culture tells the story of 19th-century Hoogeland. Be surprised and taken on a walk through the past, about the ancient landed gentry and new borg residents, the rich peasantry and the poor farm workers. In short, of the many facets of history, which hides something beautiful for everyone. Discover, alone or with friends and/or family, the stories and peculiarities of the past and let them come to life at Borg Verhildersum Estate.
An old driveway...
On the Hoogeland, in the north-west of Groningen, near the Lauwersmeer area and the Wadden Sea, lies the village of Leens. This beautiful place is surrounded by old trees, endless fields, winding canals, wierden and borgen. Here, on the outskirts of the village, lies Landgoed Borg Verhildersum. This 32-hectare world of history and culture tells the story of 19th-century Hoogeland. Be surprised and taken on a walk through the past, about the ancient landed gentry and new borg residents, the rich peasantry and the poor farm workers. In short, of the many facets of history, which hides something beautiful for everyone. Discover, alone or with friends and/or family, the stories and peculiarities of the past and let them come to life at Borg Verhildersum Estate.
An old driveway with impressive trees on either side leads to an extraordinary building. The centuries-old Borg, once started in the 14th century as a stone house, then developed into a castle, was the country house for distinguished families such as the Tjarda Van Starkenborgh family and later of the Van Bolhuis family of notaries. Discover the rise of the bourgeoisie and the history of the Groninger landed gentry and, during your walk through this historic house, experience how the families, almost 200 years ago, lived in and around the Borg. Meet Edzard Tjarda van Starkenborgh and his wife Alieda, who shared joys and sorrows at the Borg in 1820 - 1821.
The path past the Orchard with old fruit varieties and the Worker's House brings you to the farm. Cornelis Borgman, with his family, is the original occupant at Oud-Bocum farm, but symbolises the innovative spirit of Groningen farmers. New York, 1850, a small town surrounded by big farms. It was from here, during a visit to his cousins, that Cornelis brought back a huge improvement for agriculture: the Arend Plough. Why this plough was so much better? Find out during your visit to this museum farm. Meet the wealthy Groninger farmers, with their trips to New York, fashion from Paris and chairs at the University of Groningen. Walk around the estate and see the traces of their prosperity and ingenuity.
The Estate was always a hive of activity. From the borg residents and farmers to the staff, artisans and villagers. But also with the farm workers, first as permanent employees and later as seasonal workers, who did much of the work. One of these day labouring families was the De Vries family. In 1880, they bought a piece of land and built the Workers' Cottage there. This now shows how they lived there then.
Opening hours
- Every Monday closed
- Every Tuesday 10.30 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Every Wednesday 10.30 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Every Thursday 10.30 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Every Friday 10.30 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Every Saturday 10.30 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Every Sunday 10.30 a.m.-5 p.m.