THE DEVIL'S PALACE: Nicholas Van Hoogstraten
The story behind the £40M abandoned mansion hidden in Sussex.
What comes to mind when I say the word dangerous? Perhaps a sheer cliff edge? Maybe a raging fire? Or, possibly an infamous killer? What makes a person dangerous? Is it the amount of people they’ve killed, or a past history of violent behaviour? Or is it more nuanced than that?
Watch my profile on Nicholas Van Hoogstraten and you’ll see a self-made millionaire who justifies his actions with a simple logic that all will be well but - if you wrong him - be prepared to pay to price. In fact, keeping his fearsome reputation alive is all part of the Hoogstraten mystic.
I’d be keen to know what scares a man like Hoogstraten? One would have thought the law, but somehow, he seems to rise above it.
The book “The 48 Laws of Power” describes in great depth how people in power (past and present) stay in position by following 48 laws – knowingly, or unknowingly. I’m not sure if Hoogstraten has read the book but he certainly displays many of the identified traits, seemingly structuring his life around: ‘So much depends on reputation—guard it with your life.” (Law Five).
‘His morals are very interesting indeed. It is based on "If you do him no wrong he will do you no wrong" but that's not entirely true as he built his empire on purchasing property with tenants and then unjustly kicking them out. He is a very interesting character as he is not guarded. Quite the opposite. He is open and I think possibly honest in a funny way, but I think where he goes wrong is that his 'punishments' do not fit the crimes done against him. (Like kidnapping the accountant for ripping him off).’ - Anonymous Source
I’m interested to hear your opinions. Reach out via Instagram, Twitter, YouTube or Email. I hope you enjoyed this video, it’s been in the making for about six months and has been a great interest of mine. Hoogstraten is one interesting character.
Elliot Hartley