Top 14 Castles around Merksplas

Very beautiful castle almost in the center of Oostmalle and yet surrounded by tranquility

There are also often events held here.

Hof d'Intere is a Renaissance castle in Wechelderzande. It is located at Pastorijstraat 2 and dates back to 1649. The castle's name is older, dating from 1440, when Philip the Good granted the towns of Wechelderzande, Gierle, and Lille as a fief to Ambrosius van Dinther. The "laathof" (court) held its meetings in the local inn, which was called Hof d'Intere or Hof van Dynter, after the name Van Dinther. Later, this fief passed to Johan de Proost, lord of Wechelderzande. He built the current castle on the basis of an existing castle dating back to the 16th century. In 1686, it became the property of the pastor of Wechelderzande after Johan de Proost was forced to sell it. The house then served as a rectory from 1688 to 1964 and then as the town hall until 1977. This was when municipal reorganization took place, and since then it has been a municipal center with a library and park. In 1939, the building was classified as a protected monument. In 2019, it was announced that the library would be closed and that the municipality of Lille would reconsider the castle's future purpose.

On March 13, 1440, Philip the Good granted Wechelderzande, along with Gierle and Lille, as a fief to Ambrosius de Dynter. The court of justice, or the alderman's court, of the feudal lordship was therefore named Hof d'Intere. The court held its meetings in a village inn. The Hof d'Intere building was erected in 1649 by the lord of Wechelderzande, Jonker Jan de Proost or Johan de Proost. The newly built, impressive residence was named Hof d'Intere: partly because it was built on a plot of land that belonged to the fiefdom under the jurisdiction of the Hof d'Intere, and partly because Johan de Proost had acquired the rights to this fiefdom and was therefore entitled to use the title "Lord of Dynter." From 1686 to 1964, Hof d'Intere served as the parsonage of Wechelderzande. Later it served as the town hall of Wechelderzande until the merger in 1977. After that it was used for a while as the municipal council, reception, ceremony and wedding hall of the municipality.

The castle is surrounded by a moat and an estate of approximately 70 hectares, including meadows and farmland. The castle is not open to the public due to its function as a prison. In the past, the castle also played a role in the Eighty Years' War, where it played a significant role in the battle between Spanish and Dutch troops, according to BENEGO.

The former castle of Hoogstraten, also known as Gelmelslot, is a castle with a rich history dating back to the 16th century. Today, the castle serves as a Penitentiary School Center (PSC), a penitentiary where inmates receive vocational training. The castle has served various purposes over the years. Built in the 16th century by Rombout II Keldermans, a renowned architect, it originally served a defensive purpose. In the 18th century, the castle was damaged by fire and later looted. After a period of decline, the castle was used as a beggar's asylum, agricultural colony, and refuge in the 19th century. Since 1931, it has been used as a Penitentiary School Center, the only penitentiary in Flanders where inmates systematically receive vocational training.

The original castle was built in the 15th century by Willem van Berchem. In 1542, this castle was destroyed by Maarten van Rossum. Jan van Renesse built the current castle and the outbuildings a few years later. The architect was Hendrik Lambrechts. Many important people visited, such as Emperor Charles V, William the Silent and Margaret of Parma. In the following centuries, the castle was plundered several times and used as a residence for warring troops. Finally, it fell into disrepair. In 1793, the upper court and the farm were demolished. In 1830, the de Renesse family disappeared from the castle: Count Clément de Renesse-Breidbach sold the whole to Viscount Leonard du Bus de Gisignies. He had the service buildings converted into a country house. He also expanded the entire domain and had an English garden laid out in the park. Among other things, the giant sequoias were planted at that time. His son Bernard Amé du Bus de Gisignies and grandson Bernard du Bus de Gisignies continued to manage the domain. Bernard du Bus de Gisignies became mayor of Oostmalle. His daughter Isabelle married Count Maximilien de Renesse-Breidbach in 1896. The castle thus came back into the hands of the de Renesse family. In 1920, the castle was renovated in Flemish neo-Renaissance style. In 1941, part of the western wing was bombed to pieces by the British. This part was not restored. Later, Count Thierry de Renesse also became mayor of Oostmalle. After his death in 1973, negotiations began on the purchase of the castle by the municipality. In 1983, the municipality bought the castle and part of the domain. The Flemish Region bought the remaining 33 hectares. In 1985, the management of the castle and the entire domain was transferred to the specially established non-profit association Domein de Renesse. Since 1982, the castle has been protected as a monument.[1] Source: Wikipedia

In 1914, Baron Alfons van der Straten Waillet inherited the castle. By dividing it among his children, it passed to his 4th son, Baron Jacques van der Straten Waillet, in 1973. In 1978, the castle, which has perfectly preserved its appearance from 1561, was protected as a monument. After the death of Baron Jacques van der Straten Waillet in 1984, the castle was inhabited by his widow, born Countess Christiane de Lannoy, and his sister, Lady Marie-Josephe van der Straten Waillet. After the death of the baroness in 2022, the castle was put up for sale. The asking price was 3.8 million euros. The municipality of Malle decided to purchase the castle after a survey among its residents. This purchase was largely financed by the Kempens Landschap Foundation. Source Wikipedia