Entouré de douves, le Château Ten Berghe, est situé à 3km du centre historique de Bruges. Le domaine composé du château néogothique et de ses dépendances se trouve dans un parc paysager de style anglais entouré partiellement d’une double douve. Le château, géré par d’Amaury van der Beken Pasteel, est entre les mains de la même famille depuis 1487, traversant 18 générations. 

PRESENTATION 

Mentionné pour la première fois en 1267 comme une seigneurie et un fief du Comte de Flandre, le château a connu de nombreux propriétaires au fil des siècles. Le 7 octobre 1490, le château a été capturé et brûlé par les forces agissant au nom d'Engelbert II de Nassau lors de la révolte flamande contre Maximilien.

Reconstruit et embelli, il a subi une transformation majeure en 1877 sous la direction de l’architecte Joseph Schadde, adoptant son élégante allure néo-gothique actuelle. De nombreuses dépendances du château, dont les écuries et la remise, ont été démolies et reconstruites. 

Des travaux gigantesques ont en effet été effectués dans le domaine, avec le comblement d'une partie des douves et la création d'un jardin d'agrément comprenant une glacière et une gloriette pittoresque.

La Tour is a charming and unique B&B nestled in the historic centre of Bruges. Surrounded by a lush 1,000 m² garden, this architectural gem offers a peaceful retreat. Owned by Louise and Francis Hardy, it is located in a quiet neighbourhood, just an 8-minute walk from the lively Markt, the heart of the city.

PRESENTATION

Built in the 17th century, La Tour is recorded in Bruges’ archives as a “house furnished with finery and agates.” 

In the 18th century, it was remodeled into its current form, reflecting the whimsical architectural style of the time. 

Passed down through the same family for over 200 years, it has been listed as a protected heritage site since 1973. 

Carefully restored in 2009, La Tour seamlessly blends elegant period décor with modern comfort, preserving its historic charm.

Located in Bruges, the House of the Visitation dates partly from the 13th century, with renovations carried out in the 17th and early 20th centuries. Today, this residence belongs to Chevalier Baudouin de la Kethulle de Ryhove 

PRESENTATION

The history of the House of the Visitation dates back to the 13th century when it was the residence of Jan Breydel. Over the centuries, it was home to influential Bruges patrician families, including the van Steelant family and members of the Order of the Golden Fleece, such as Jan van Auxy and his son-in-law Jan van Gruuthuse.

Originally consisting of two separate houses, it was merged into a single property in 1776. At the beginning of the 20th century, industrialist Jean de Brouwer transformed the interior in a Neo-Renaissance style, commissioning Émile Rommelaere to create unique frescoes, the only ones of their kind in Bruges. 

In 1903, the house was acquired by Baron Charles Gillès de Pélichy, who redesigned several rooms, including his study and library, in the Neo-Gothic style.

Nestled in the heart of Bruges, Hof Bladelin is a magnificent medieval city palace with a rich history shaped by art, faith, and trade. 

Since 1964, it has been under the care of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows, Ruiselede, who are dedicated to preserving this remarkable heritage.

PRESENTATION

Stepping into the enclosed garden of Hof Bladelin is like travelling back to the Burgundian era of Bruges. Originally built for Pierre Bladelin, Treasurer of the Order of the Golden Fleece, the residence was later expanded by Piero de Medici, a member of the renowned Florentine banking dynasty, and further extended in the 16th century by the influential Egmont family. 

Over the centuries, Hof Bladelin served as an aristocratic residence and, between 1632 and 1669, housed a Carmelite convent. 

Around 1830, Abbot Léon de Foere established a religious institute for the poor, founded a lace school, and commissioned a neoclassical chapel. He also adorned the audience hall with monumental frescoes—faithful reproductions of Raphael’s Vatican murals. 

Nestled in a peaceful, green part of Bruges, the English Convent is a remarkable religious site. Owned by the Canonesses of Saint Augustine, it reflects nearly 400 years of history and spiritual tradition, offering a unique glimpse into Bruges’ religious heritage.

PRESENTATION

Founded in 1629 by English nuns fleeing persecution under Henry VIII, the convent first settled in a modest pilgrim’s house. From 1650 onwards, it underwent significant transformations, including the construction of a Baroque-style church. Completed in 1738 under the direction of architect Hendrik Pullinx, its grey slate dome remains unique in Bruges.

The community’s primary mission was the education of young girls, with a boarding school operating until 1973. 

Now a listed historical monument, the church’s interior features stunning marble floors with star-shaped patterns and a richly decorated altar.

The convent preserves valuable cultural treasures, including rare manuscripts by Guido Gezelle, Albrecht Rodenbach, and Hugo Verriest, as well as a rare portrait with a relic of Sir Thomas More.

Wynendaele Castle, located in Torhout, is a historic residence with a rich past. Originally a medieval fortress, it was largely restored to its former splendour in the 19th century. With over 1,000 years of history, this architectural gem remains the property of the Matthieu de Wynendaele family, preserving its heritage and timeless character. 

PRESENTATION 

First mentioned in 1127, the castle is believed to have been built by Robert I of Flanders as a residence for the Counts of Flanders. During the 13th century, under Guy of Dampierre, it played an important diplomatic role, hosting negotiations and alliances. 

In the 15th century, the castle was taken over by John the Fearless, Duke of Burgundy, and later inhabited by the House of Cleves, Lords of Ravenstein. In 1482, tragedy struck in the surrounding forest when Duchess Mary of Burgundy suffered a fatal accident during a hunting expedition. Over the centuries, the castle endured many hardships. In 1795, it was ransacked by French troops, leaving it in ruins. 

During the 19th century, the castle underwent significant restoration under the guidance of Brussels banker Josse Pierre Matthieu. He preserved several original features, including parts of the north wing dating back to 1302. 

In 1940, the castle once again became the setting for a historic event: the fateful meeting between King Leopold III and his ministers at the onset of the Second World War.

Loppem Castle, near Bruges, is a stunning neo-Gothic masterpiece from the mid-19th century. Set within a vast park with ancient trees, ponds, and a labyrinth, it offers a unique historical and architectural experience.

In 1951, Baron Jean van Caloen established a foundation to preserve the castle, its furnishings, park, and outbuildings while promoting its rich art collections.

PRESENTATION

Designed as a complete work of art, the castle seamlessly blends exterior and interior elements. The English architect Edward Welby Pugin created the furniture, while Jean-Baptiste Bethune designed the interiors. Skilled local craftsmen crafted the stained glass, chandeliers, staircases, and fireplaces.

The ground floor features elegant reception rooms that reflect 19th-century grandeur, while the upper floor houses the family chapel and royal chambers. These rooms recall the castle’s prestigious past, including the stay of King Albert I and Queen Elisabeth in 1918, shortly after the First World War. The ground floor features elegant reception rooms that reflect 19th-century grandeur, while the upper floor houses the family chapel and royal chambers. 

The castle displays medieval, Asian, and African art collections assembled by Jean and Roland van Caloen.

These rooms recall the castle’s prestigious past, including the stay of King Albert I and Queen Elisabeth in 1918, shortly after the First World War.