Until 1898, the ancient village of Haarzuilens was located roughly where the Roman Garden was later created. Little is known about the origins of this picturesque hamlet. The village likely originated in the Middle Ages, right under the protection afforded by the walls of De Haar Castle.

The village has hardly changed over the centuries. About twenty-five thatched and tile-roofed houses were clustered around a village green shaded by large trees. The village had an inn that also served as a council chamber. At the end of the 19th century, visitors could buy a ticket here to tour the picturesque ruins.

Around 1891, when the first concrete plans for the restoration of the castle were drawn up, there was talk of relocating the old village of Haarzuilens to make way for an extensive park and hunting grounds. That is why the new village of Haarzuilens was established 1.5 kilometers to the east. In 1898, the residents were able to move into their new homes.

To this day, the De Haar estate, the extensive park, and the castle village of Haarzuilens form a total work of art that is unique in the Netherlands—a green oasis of peace and quiet in an increasingly crowded and hectic country.