Description:
The Foundation for the Conservation of the Historical Estate Ockenburgh (Stichting tot behoud van de Historische Buitenplaats Ockenburgh, SHBO) is a community-led heritage conservation initiative in The Hague, the Netherlands. Through the commitment of more than 150 local volunteers, the project rescued and revitalised the historic Ockenburgh Estate and Villa, transforming a neglected monument into a vibrant cultural, educational and social meeting place. The estate was founded in 1654 by Jacob Westerbaen, a Dutch poet, physician and intellectual with a strong interest in gardening and the arts. Over the centuries, Ockenburgh underwent numerous transformations and later served as a youth hostel and public recreational park. Following the closure of the hostel in 1996, the villa and surrounding grounds suffered nearly two decades of neglect, accumulating an estimated €3 million in deferred maintenance. The citizens' initiative began in 2012 under the leadership of Petra Brekelmans, who mobilised local residents, businesses, schools and public authorities to safeguard the estate. In February 2015, the Foundation SHBO was formally established to coordinate restoration, fundraising and long-term management. Approximately 150 volunteers contributed a total of 80,000 hours of work, supported by professional architects, landscape specialists, interior designers and local businesses. The restoration encompassed the villa's exterior and interior, the surrounding parkland, historic gardens and associated facilities. Traditional landscape features were reintroduced, including vegetable, fruit and herb gardens inspired by the estate's seventeenth-century history. Sustainable interventions incorporated reused building materials and furniture, solar panels and heat-pump technology. The project also strengthened the relationship between the historic estate and the surrounding Natura 2000 landscape. The restored Villa Ockenburgh reopened to the public in September 2020, with renovation works completed in 2021. Today, it accommodates a restaurant offering locally sourced food, cultural and community events, educational activities and spaces for social interaction. The greenhouse café operated by the Villa Bijzonder Foundation provides vocational learning and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, promoting social inclusion and community participation. The project was realised through cooperation between SHBO, the Municipality of The Hague, the Province of South Holland, local businesses, charitable organisations and volunteers. The total reported investment in the villa and grounds amounted to approximately €3.5 million. Continued volunteer involvement ensures the ongoing maintenance, programming and sustainability of the estate. Recognised with an Award at the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards 2024 in the category of Citizens' Engagement and Awareness-raising, the initiative demonstrates how grassroots participation, innovative fundraising and cooperation with public institutions can safeguard historic places while strengthening social cohesion, environmental sustainability and a shared sense of belonging.