History

A castle in Bergen aan Zee

The history of the house on the Russenduin

Summer house on the Russenduin

Huize Glory Estate was built as a summer residence commissioned by August Janssen, who belonged to a wealthy family. The foundation stone was laid in 1916. He found inspiration in the Amsterdam School. The main building on top of the Russenduin was intended to resemble a castle.



Construction of this villa on top of the Russenduin began in 1916. Mr. August Janssen purchased the Russenduin (13 hectares in size) from the Van Reenen family.

Stained Glass

The stained-glass windows were made in the Bogtman studio. Stained-glass windows depicting the Battle of Bergen in 1799 are located in the door to the restaurant and at the staircase in the great hall. In 1799, fighting took place here between the English and the Russians on one side, and the French and the Dutch on the other. At that time, the Netherlands was under the influence of post-revolutionary France and of Napoleon, who later crowned himself Emperor. As France was preparing an invasion of England, the English, together with the Russians, launched a counterattack. The then Stadtholder, Prince William V of Orange, also fled to England in 1795. The battle was won by the Dutch and the French.

The turret

A panoramic view over the North Holland nature reserve of Bergen aan Zee. The tower is located to the right of the center. This lookout tower was originally lower and was heightened during the German occupation to serve as a radio and lookout tower. A fire broke out in the tower in 1943, but fortunately the damage remained limited.

You can visit the tower between 12:00 and 14:00 during your stay at our hotel or as a restaurant guest.

Organic holiday resort

In 1930, the villa on the Russenduin was purchased by the Bio Vacantieoord Foundation. After several years of renovation, the house was ready in 1933 to receive the first children with a pale complexion. They could recuperate here for six weeks.

The holiday colony was opened in 1933. Many poor children from all over the Netherlands came here to regain their strength. After the war, the house was used again as a holiday colony home. At that time, many collections were held in cinemas. The children followed a strict program of rest, cleanliness, and routine, and were primarily expected to gain weight.

Maria Smook-Krikke

During your stay, do not forget to browse through the booklet 'Een kasteel in Bergen aan Zee'. It tells the unique and special story of the origins and history of what is now Huize Glory. The booklet is available for purchase at the reception for €15.00.