Dutch Barn Preservation Society

Dedicated to the Study and Preservation
of New World Dutch Barns

Historic farms in The Netherlands
Farm types and building traditions.

Preface

Agriculture and dairy farming have always formed an important part of the national economy of the Low Countries. Despite the present drastic agricultural modernization and mechanization, there are still large numbers of historic farms remaining that proudly testify to that rural past. These interesting vernacular buildings are one of the most striking features in the Dutch landscape. Their traditional architecture is closely linked to the cultural identity of the different regions. Visitors from abroad will soon notice the amazing variety of regional differences.

In spite of the comparatively small size of the country, the Netherlands house a great many different farm types and rural building traditions. These farm types, their history, regional distribution, main structural elements and intricate internal arrangements are the subject of this booklet. We hope that it may serve to give foreign visitors a basic insight into Dutch farms and their wealth of rural traditional architecture.

The English text is largely based on the earlier Dutch edition in a series of books on different architectural categories published for the 'Open Monumentendag', which forms part of the European Heritage Days.

The object of the original publication was to draw the attention of the Dutch public to this special category of their cultural heritage. However, bearing in mind that a little more explanation might be required for foreign readers, the text has been basically rewritten by Ellen van Olst, director of the Dutch Institute for historic farms research (SHBO), with the much appreciated help of Stella Fenley. Illustrations are by Els Geelen.

Published in Amsterdam 2000.

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