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HOEILAART Here used to be another castle that was the home of Lord “van Ter Heyde”. “Joseph-Louis de Man d’Hobruge” bought the castle in 1823 from the “Pangaert” family. The old castle was pulled down and a new castle that we still see and admire today was erected in 1858 after a design of architect “Jozef Claes”. The last owners of the castle were the family “de Laage de La Rocheterie”, they sold the castle in 1917 to the city of Hoeilaart. The castle is now the Town Hall. You can visit the castle by appointment only. Hoeilaart is to the south of Brussels.

FALAËN This castle–farm was erected in the 17th century by the family “Polchets”. It faces what is now the ruin of the castle of the Counts of Namur at Montaigle. The four rectangle towers and the massive entrance gate give this building a robust view. The baron of “Coppin” added a high profile interior décor to this castle-farm in the 18th century. This Baron “de Coppin” was a member of the temporary first government (1830-1831) and later he became governor of Brabant. Today it is a cultural center and it is still a fully working farm.

D' ANNEVOIE The family “Halloy” builds a modest land house in 1627. “Jean de Montpellier” inherits that house in 1696 and he enlarges the house in the early 18th century. “Charles Alexis de Montpellier” remodels the house between 1758 and 1770 and he adds several wings to the building. The result is the elegant classical château we see now. The castle is however not the main attraction of this site. The domain is more famous for its beautiful water garden. Charles had travelled a lot throughout Europe and had visited the most famous Italian and French gardens. This inspired him to create in Annevoie his own paradise. The small stream Rouillon flows through the domain and he turned the natural force of the river to good use. Throughout the garden he installed numerous waterspouts, fountains and canals. Lots of statues are reflecting in peaceful water pools. This water banquet together with the beautiful flowerbeds makes of Annevoie a must see if you are in the area. I visited the domain in May 2001. The entrance fee was 250bef. The castle itself was not open when I was there although according the info I have it can be visited at certain times. Walking through the gardens is however already a great experience. Take the E411 Brussels – Namen. Exit at Namen and then follow the N92 in the direction of Dinant. After a while you will see signs, which lead you to the castle and gardens.

VELTWIJCK Castle Veltwijck is a water castle that was built in the 16th century. The castle was built in renaissance style and you can find it in the center of the city of Ekeren, where it currently serves as the district house of Ekeren. On November 3th, 1545 there was a public sale because "Anthonio de Mescua" and his wife "Marie Happaerts" were deeply in debt and were no longer able to pay their bills. It is on this day that "Aert van Veltwijck", a rich merchant, becomes owner of the castle. He and his wife "Catherina van den Eynde" move in the castle and their marriage gets blessed with eight children, "Gheraert", "Pauwels", "Aerde", "Jaspar", "Melchior", "Jeronimus", "Janne" and "Katherina". "Aert" his nephew "Gheraert van Veltwijck" was an important man, he was secretary for Emperor Karel and was also a well known diplomat. He negotiated with the Turks in 1546. In 1549 he becomes paymaster of the "Order van het Gulden Vlies". He was married to "Johanne Transilvane" and dies in Brussels on January 5th, 1555. The castle keeps the name Veltwijck throughout the centuries although the family Veltwijck only lived 23 years in the castle. "Aert van Veltwijck" dies in his castle in 1559. His children refuse to pay off a loan "Aert" had opened for his nephew "Gheraert". Because of this the castle was sold again publicly. "Gheraert's" widow Johanne Transilvane" does the highest bid and she becomes owner of the castle on May 14th 1569. She re-marries with "Francois-Prosper de Géneve", lord of Lullin and marshal for the duke of Savoie. After the death of "Johanne" the castle is no longer used and stays empty for some years. On April 1st 1615 the castle gets sold publicly for the third time. "Gilles Fabry", clerk for the city of Antwerp does the highest bid. Between 1545 and 1929 the castle was always in hands of important families. Baroness "de Borrekens" buys the castle in 1902 and she builds another floor on the main building in 1905. September 29th, 1929 is the day that the city of Ekeren becomes owner of the castle and it becomes the city hall. November 3th, 1980 is the first day of the restorations of the castle. These restorations would last fourteen years. The investiture of the restored castle takes place on September 17th, 1994.

KASTEEL VAN DE HERTOGEN VAN BRABANT The history of this castle goes back to the 12th century. It is located on the place where the city of Turnhout saw birth. For 4 centuries it was the hunting castle for the Dukes of Brabant. The castle was remodeled several times throughout the centuries. Like in 1525 when “Margaretha van Oostenrijk” lived there and also between 1545 and 1566 when “Maria van Hongerije” lived in the castle. She was the one who turned the castle into a renaissance palace. The castle is a traditional sandstone and brick building with baroque influences. A renovation between 1650 and 1658 gave the castle its present look. The castle was property of the Nassau family from the early 17th century until the end of the Ancient regime. After that the castle was deserted and started to turn in a ruin. The province of Antwerp bought the castle and renovated it between 1908 and 1921 when the castle became the courthouse. The most recent renovation was done the past 2 years and the castle was inaugurated again in May 2000. You can find the castle in the center of the city Turnhout and it is still used as Court house

BRASSCHAAT Major “Armand Reussens” of Brasschaat built this castle in 1872. Twenty-five years later the castle was enlarged with two wings. The city Brasschaat bought the castle and surrounding park in 1949. The castle was recently restored back into its old glory. You can walk freely in the enormous park and the castle is now a tavern

WEST MALLE The family Meiers already lived on this location before 1100. The building was originally a fortified farm. The current castle and beautiful park dates back to 1878 when it was remodelled in a water castle. They also constructed a strange round structure in the park. It is still a mystery what the purpose of this building was. The castle and park are not open for the public.You do have a nice view from the road. You can find this castle in West Malle a town to the east of Antwerp.

BOEKENBERG This castle is situated in park Boekenberg in Antwerp. It was built by the large landowner family “Knijs” in 1752. At the beginning of the 20th century it became a colony for weak children. In 1955 it changed into a home for the elderly. The castle became a classified monument in 1974. You can walk freely in the park and have a drink and a bite in the tavern or take a dip in the big open air swimming pool that is situated in the park.

HOF TE MELIS When you drive from Lippelo to Malderen you will see this castle on your right side.In 1448 we find the first traces of this castle when it was still a farm. Throughout the centuries it changed many times from owners and was through those years rebuilt into the castle we still can admire now. In 1745 it was the headquarters of “Lodewijk XV” and in 1940 it was the headquarters of “King Leopold III” The castle is private property but you can admire it from the street and the forest around it is open to walk in.

FRUITHOF The castle as we see it now was built in 1750 by the family “Pieters”. “Filips Moretus”, a direct descendant of the famous 16th century printer “Plantijn” bought the castle in 1920. The castle is at the moment the property of “Jan Onzea” who turned it into a restaurant which upholds the finest culinary traditions