Exclusive inside look: touring Belgium's 14th century Hof ter Laeken castle with the caretaker

15/9/2020

HERITAGE

The caretaker of Hof ter Laeken gave me a very unique look and tour of this 14th century castle in Heist-op-den-Berg in Belgium.

BY HANAN, 2 minutes read

Because there is still a baron, there are rarely visitors on the 320,000 square metre domain and the castle. I was shown a few places that were never shown before.

"The lime trees (lindens) along the lane are 700 years old."

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The one kilometre long 'Hofdreef' and access to the domain already made a huge impression when I arrived. The lime trees (lindens) along the lane are 700 years old, the caretaker told me later. The Hof ter Laeken is a beautiful green country estate and includes a castle with accompanying park. The castle acquired its current view after some enlargement and restoration work in the period 1780-1868, but the first stones date from 1339. The history of the Hof ter Laeken, however, goes back to around 1200. This site was once home to a military castle.

The 'Hofdreef' with lime trees (lindens).

The vast domain.

In the castle park, which covers some 20,000 square metres of the plain of the 'Grote Nete' river, a number of giant, age-old oaks grow and a very valuable vegetation grows. The domain overlooks the river that flows here. In the past, the meadows and forests, in the vicinity of the domain, belonged to the castle residents. Around the castle are vests, called 'laken' in Dutch. Therefore the name 'Hof ter Laeken'.

Inside the castle.

The accompanying castle farm.

Many Belgian films, including the famous one Pallieter, and some episodes of various TV series were also recorded at this domain.

"For the first time it was shown to someone from outside."

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In addition to a castle, this domain also houses a beautiful castle farm, which is in need of restoration but is therefore not less beautiful. For the first time it was shown to someone from outside. The caretaker's garden is also immensely beautiful and houses some rare plants and a whole host of varieties of chickens and show pigeons. I only got a glimpse of the orchard due to a lack of time. I also was able to see the old ice cellar in the middle of the forest on which a chapel was built on top.

The whole tour was peppered with juicy stories and anecdotes about the noble family who still inhabited this castle.

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Update

The castle is currently not inhabited anymore and they are renovating the castle. The park is open for public now and can be visit for free and their will be made some changes.