In the past Holland was known for its Baroque gardens (French gardens), of which Het Loo is a remarkable example. Designed in the 17th century for William III, the chateau and the park underwent little change in the 18th century, but was later transformed into an English garden by Louis Bonaparte. When the question arose of restoring Het Loo, a national property since 1953, it was finally decided to restore the garden to its original form. This was based on many drawings and descriptions from the period, and with the help of 17th-century books on the art of gardens. The restoration has been completed and the park was opened to the public in 1984. -- AATA