Kasteel Claeys-Bouüaert, Neo-Renaissance castle in Mariakerke, Belgium.
Kasteel Claeys-Bouüaert is a Neo-Renaissance castle in Mariakerke featuring brick and stone walls surrounded by moats, with adjacent farm buildings, a gardener's cottage, and stables in matching architectural style. The grounds contain English landscape gardens with walking paths that connect to the larger Vinderhoutse Bossen nature area.
Built between 1890 and 1892 by Antwerp architect Joseph Schadde for Edmond Bracq-Hurraux, it replaced an earlier feudal structure at the same location. This construction reflected the trends of wealthy landowners building grand residences during the late 1800s.
Since 1998, it houses the Centrum voor Jonge Kunst, a space for contemporary art exhibitions and theater performances by emerging artists. Visitors can experience how the historic rooms now serve as galleries and performance venues for local creative work.
The grounds can be explored on foot using walking paths through the English gardens, and children's play areas are available on the property. The connection to Vinderhoutse Bossen makes it easy to extend your visit with walks through the surrounding forest area.
The property preserves its original avenue system from 1729, once called 'mijnheere Pennemans dreve,' which leads to the castle entrance. This tree-lined approach predates the current building and creates a glimpse of what the landscape looked like before the 1890s reconstruction.
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