The history of the estates in ‘s Graveland dates back to the year of 1625 (during the Dutch Golden Age). In that year wealthy Amsterdam merchants did get permission to cultivate an area west of Hilversum The sandy soil was excavated and (partly) transported by boat to Amsterdam, where it was used for the expansion of the city. On the way back, the ships took manure and rubbish with them to enrich the infertile soil of 's-Graveland. Initially farms were founded on the lots and leased to farmers. Later several estates were created with country houses with park-like gardens.

Nowadays the area is a beautiful nature reserve around the various country houses, such as Boekesteyn, Trompenburgh and Gooilust. The area is characterized by long stately lanes, mostly lined with beech trees, water features and forest ponds, ornamental gardens and hills with rhododendrons. There are many special and old trees, the oldest of which are hundreds of years old. The bird-rich forests are interspersed with green meadows.

Almost all estates are managed by Natuurmonumenten (Society for Preservation of Nature Monuments in the Netherlands) and are freely accessible.