In 1880, Noordwijk was a small village whose economy was primarily dependent on the fishing industry. The village's mayor, Mr. Pické, recognized that Noordwijk had potential beyond its traditional economic base. Driven by a vision to diversify and uplift the community, Pické initiated a significant development project in 1883. He chose a prime location atop the dunes for his ambitious endeavor: the Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin.
Establishment and Early Prestige
The Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin officially opened its doors in 1885. From its inception, the hotel quickly became a favored destination for elite guests. Over the following decades, it hosted an array of distinguished visitors, including members of the Dutch and Belgian royal families, as well as numerous artists and actors. This period of high society patronage established the hotel's reputation for luxury and exclusivity.
Ownership Changes and Focus on Elite Clientele
In 1887, just two years after its grand opening, the hotel changed hands. Heinrich Tappenbeck, a wealthy textile magnate, purchased the Huis ter Duin Resort along with six hectares of surrounding land. Under Tappenbeck's ownership, the hotel maintained its focus on catering to an affluent clientele. The tradition of hosting royalty and celebrities continued, further cementing its status as a premier destination.
Mid-20th Century Transitions and Threats
The mid-20th century brought significant changes to the Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin. The hotel underwent several ownership transitions during the 1960s, culminating in a precarious situation where a company aimed to demolish the historic complex to make way for a new project. Fortunately, these plans were thwarted by the municipal council, preserving the hotel from destruction.
Revitalization and Modern Expansion
In the early 1980s, the hotel found a new owner committed to its restoration and enhancement. Following an extensive renovation and expansion, the Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin reopened in 1984, with Princess Margriet presiding over the ceremony. The revamped facility now boasted 90 hotel rooms, 93 studios, nine conference rooms, multiple restaurants, a nightclub, and a fitness center, blending modern amenities with historic charm.
The 1990 Fire and Subsequent Reconstruction
Tragedy struck in January 1990 when a significant portion of the hotel was destroyed by fire. The ensuing renovation focused on creating a hotel that was both secure and efficient while retaining its esteemed stature. The design improvements were aimed at meeting the highest standards for both conference attendees and individual guests.
The Modern Grand Hotel Huis Ter Duin
Today, the Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin is visually distinguished into two sections: the original Grand Hotel and the newer Nouvel Hotel. The historic Grand Hotel, which survived the 1990 fire, features a five-floor wing with four floors dedicated to hotel rooms. The Nouvel Hotel, constructed after the fire, includes an eleven-floor wing with nine floors of hotel rooms. Together, these sections embody the blend of historic elegance and contemporary luxury that defines the Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin.
