The Silver Factory / Berbice Country Estate
When driving from Leiden to Voorschoten, the Silver Factory is located on your right as you enter the village.
The white building is recognizable by its elongated shape with stepped gables at both ends. The founder of the factory was Johannes M. van Kempen III, a businessman from Utrecht. His workshop there had become too small, and the municipality of Utrecht did not grant permission for his expansion plans. Therefore, in 1857, he moved with his family to Voorschoten, where he was able to carry out his grand plans. He purchased the Berbice estate and the adjacent land, where he had his Silver Factory built.