It has been the official residence of the Prime Minister of the Netherlands since 1963, although Dries van Agt was the last premier to live there.

The Catshuis residence is mainly used to house political meetings and receive official guests.

As Huis Sorgvliet it was built on the site of a former farm, part of the living quarters were likely incorporated in the left wing, by Jacob Cats (1577–1660), a prominent poet and politician who lived there from 14 July 1652.

In 1675 estate Sorgvliet came into the possession of Hans Willem Bentinck, chamberlain of the future King-Stadholder William III (1650–1702).

To conform with modern norms of security, logistics, climatisation, hygiene, comfort and technical aspects of management, it was extensively renovated from 1999 to 2004.