What are buitenplaatsen?Once upon a time, there were thousands of country seats, or buitenplaatsen, in the Netherlands. However, now there are only 552 of these historic heritage properties. These country seats were built for rich city dwellers, who wanted them so they could enjoy the long summer months in peace and surrounded by beautiful countryside. While here, the owners could escape the stench of the badly drained canals in the city. Out of town, they could dedicate themselves to their hobbies, such as gardening, collecting tropical plants or exotic animals or playing music.