’t Domein - Slootdorp

Slootdorp is the oldest village in the Wieringermeer. Life on the new land started right here. The building in front of you was the administrative heart of Slootdorp until 1942. It consists of three homes that together form ’t Domein. This is where the selection of tenants for the Wieringermeer farms took place.

Slootdorp was the first village built after the land was reclaimed. Originally, thirteen villages were planned, but only four were actually developed: Slootdorp, Middenmeer, Wieringerwerf, and after the Second World War, Kreileroord. Since the ground wasn’t fully dry yet, the first settlers faced several practical problems. For example, few water pipes could be installed at first. Residents used rainwater for drinking, and proper piping came later.

In the beginning, the villages had no names. Slootdorp was to be called “Sluis 1”, for example. The layout of the villages was designed by Marinus Jan Granpré Molière. He wanted to create pleasant places to live, with space, greenery and clear structure. That’s why you see wide grass fields between the houses and an organised street plan.

Although Granpré Molière preferred compact villages, Slootdorp was built in a ribbon layout. The main road forms the centre, allowing the village to expand easily into the countryside. It grew in the direction of the surrounding farmland. In Wieringerwerf, where you’ll cycle to next, the approach was different: it was built around a central square to avoid sprawl.

At the roundabout, turn left and you’ll see the former Reformed Church, built in 1932 and restored in 1946 after the intentional flooding. The architect, G. van Hoogevest, designed the church with a striking tower and an attached sexton’s house. Today, the building houses supported living facilities, but the tower remains a landmark in the village.

Tip: Look closely at the corner of the Domein building. You can still see marks from a boat that struck the wall during the flooding. The colour of the bricks also shows how high the water reached at that time.

Photo: ©Rien Hoekenga, Wieringermeer.net