Cattle farming went through good and bad patches over the centuries. Due to three outbreaks of mad cow disease in the eighteenth century, almost two thirds of the cattle died. But there were also good periods, such as the third quarter of the nineteenth century. At that time many stolp farmhouses were built or rebuilt with lavish decoration in the woodwork on the façades.

After reclamation of De Beemster in 1612 country estates and parks were built to stay during the summer months. It was an escape from the heat and stench of the cities. Particularly in the south of the polder, on the Volgerweg and Zuiderweg, beautiful country houses emerged. As a result of the economic decline and the changing taste of the elite, most of these country estates were sold and demolished around 1800. Now, there is almost nothing more to see of them…?
 
However, there are still some beautiful farmhouses, extraordinary homes, old factories and historical places that are worth a visit. That is why 40 locations have been ‘Put on the map!'. At each location you can read a story: how did it look in the past, what used to stand here, factories that disappeared or were turned into homes. In short, a voyage of discovery through De Beemster of today and yesterday.