The estate was historically owned by the poet Jacob Westerbaen in the 17th century.
During World War II, the villa and grounds were occupied and fortified by the German army as part of the Atlantic Wall.
The estate hosts one of the oldest and largest colonies of herons in the region.
The central villa underwent an extensive renovation in the 2010s to transform it into a cultural and social center.
It remains one of the few surviving estates in the Netherlands that retains its original 17th-century garden layout in parts.
The woodland area contains a variety of non-native species planted by former owners for aesthetic purposes.
Estate Ockenburgh is a historic 35-hectare country estate located on the edge of The Hague, characterized by its mix of formal 17th-century gardens and wild woodland. The central villa serves as a community hub, while the surrounding grounds feature a distinctive landscape of dunes, ancient trees, and meadows. It is managed by the Zuid-Hollands Landschap foundation, which focuses on preserving the area's biodiversity and cultural heritage. The estate dates back to 1643 and was once a prominent retreat for the Dutch elite. Visitors can explore a network of footpaths that traverse various ecosystems, including the 'grote vijver' (large pond) and preserved kitchen gardens. The site provides a natural transition between the urban sprawl of The Hague and the coastal dune system of the North Sea.
The view from the bridge overlooking the large pond facing the historic white villa.
Bring waterproof footwear if visiting after rainfall, as the woodland paths can become muddy.
Check the estate's official calendar for community events or exhibitions held within the villa.
Combine your visit with a walk through the adjacent Ockenburgh dune area for a full nature experience.
Do not attempt to park directly at the main villa entrance as parking is restricted to designated public lots.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive flora and fauna; dogs must be kept on a leash in designated areas.
