Catshuis

Catshuis
Former names	Huis Sorgvliet
General information
Location	The Hague, Netherlands
Address	Adriaan Goekooplaan 10, 2517 JX
Country	Netherlands
Current tenants	Mark Rutte (2010–present)
Construction started	6 May 1651
Completed	14 July 1652
Client	Jacob Cats
Design and construction
Architect(s)	Claes Dircx van Balckeneynde

The Catshuis (English: House of Cats), initially known as Huis Sorgvliet (English: Sorgvliet House), is the official residence of the Prime Minister of the Netherlands. Built between 1651 and 1652 for Jacob Cats, the edifice was renamed after him after his death.

It lies in the governmental seat The Hague on the road to Scheveningen. It has been the official residence of the Prime Minister of the Netherlands since 1963 although Dries van Agt was the last officeholder to live in the building. Current Prime Minister Mark Rutte lives in a flat Downtown The Hague closer to his office, the Torentje in the Binnenhof. The residence is currently used to house political meetings and receive official guests.

History

As Huis Sorgvliet it was built on the site of a former farm, probably part of the living quarters were incorporated 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 storey.

In 1675 estate Sorgvliet 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 from 1999 to 2004.

Sources

• Introductiedossier Ministerie van Algemene Zaken (in Dutch): http://www.rijksoverheid.nl/ministeries/az/organisatie/gebouwen/catshuis