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Huis Bonck: A Timeless Treasure in Hoorn’s Historic Harbor


Table of Contents > North Holland > Hoorn, Zwaag, and Enkhuizen > Huis Bonck

Courtesy of Huis Bonck

Huis Bonck is a rare gem nestled in a small peninsula between the historic harbors of Hoorn. Houses like Huis Bonck, a stunning example of Dutch architecture and artistry from the early 17th century, are almost nonexistent in the Netherlands, making this a priceless journey back in time.

Huis Bonck was built in 1624 with a distinctive stepped gable and underwent a number of significant changes over the years. The ornamental gable was eventually replaced by a simple, straight cornice. Only the nearly five-meter-high ground floor was designed for living, which is unique to many Hoorn homes. Candles were quite expensive in those days, and the tall windows ensured there was enough light in the house to continue working.

The first floor of the house most likely served as storage for merchant goods, with the basement, attic, and rear area forming essential components of the property’s commercial function. A high-ceilinged room behind the front house is divided into a small side room elevated on an inset floor. This charming nook was most likely used as an office or “comptoir,” with stunning views of the harbor.

Huis Bonck’s heart is a large living room with a fireplace that also serves as the kitchen. The house’s construction features a beautiful wooden frame that has been preserved over time. The structure is made up of wall posts, corbels, keystones, and beams, with intricate keystones adorned with exquisite foliage ornaments, a testament to the time’s craftsmanship.

The house has historical floors throughout, but the underside of the roof is bare beneath the tiles. The meticulous restoration effort sought to preserve the house’s 17th-century character.

Explore the Museum House

The ground floor of Huis Bonck serves as a museum house, inviting you to travel back in time. Immerse yourself in the lives of its first occupants by opening cupboards, walking through doors, and sitting on the furniture. Explore the living and working quarters of the early 17th century and experience its prosperity.

Monument and Bed: A One-of-a-Kind Opportunity

Take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend a long weekend or vacation inside the walls of a museum! You can book the upper floor of Huis Bonck as a “Monument and Bed” location. (!!) This is truly a unique experience, one that most locals will not have experienced either! (Click here for details about the Monument and Bed opportunity)

More details

Check out the Huis Bonck website for more information on opening hours and tickets, and start planning your unforgettable journey through time today. At Huis Bonck, you can not only learn about history, but also live, breathe, and experience it.

Visit Huis Bonck’s official website for more information, and get ready for an unforgettable journey to 17th-century Hoorn!



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