Catshuis

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Catshuis in The Hague

Catshuis has been the official residence of the prime minister (i.e. head of government) of the Kingdom of the Netherlands since 1963.

It lies in the governmental seat The Hague on the road to Scheveningen, and serves to receive official guests.

[edit] History

As Huis Sorgvliet it was built on the site of a former farm (probably part of the living quarters was worked in the left wing) by Jacob Cats (1577-1660), a prominent poet and politician who lived there since 14 July 1652. Originally it had only one story.

In 1675 estate Sorghvliet came into the possession of Hans Willem Bentinck, chamberlain of the future king-stadholder William III (1650-1702). His son, Willem Bentinck, had a bronze bell and tower installed in 1738.

To conform with modern norms of security, logistics, climatisation, hygiene, comfort and technical aspects of management, it was extensively renovated in 1999-2004.