Franc-Waret Castle, Heritage castle in Fernelmont, Belgium.
Franc-Waret is a stone castle in Fernelmont featuring formal French gardens and an English style garden spanning about 120 hectares, all enclosed by a surrounding moat. The residential wing built in the mid-18th century connects the original fortified structure with later additions and improvements.
The original fortified farmhouse dates from the 13th century and became a residence when the de Groesbeeck family acquired it in the 16th century. The estate has since undergone multiple expansions and modernizations while retaining traces of its defensive origins in the structure.
The interior rooms hold collections of antique furniture, silverware, and porcelain gathered over centuries, with paintings attributed to Brueghel among the displays. These objects reflect how the family chose to surround itself with craftsmanship and art throughout its long occupation of the place.
The castle opens to visitors on weekdays at specific times, with extended hours on Sundays. The grounds are expansive and worth exploring at a leisurely pace, so plan to spend adequate time wandering through the gardens and buildings.
The preserved drawbridge and angle-towers still convey the original defensive purpose despite the later conversion to a residential manor. These elements give the estate a dual character that blends fortification with elegant domestic living.
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