Kasteel Borgwal, Protected castle in Vurste, Belgium

Kasteel Borgwal is a castle in the centre of Vurste, part of Gavere. It consists of two joined parts: a lower grey stone wing with tall arched windows and a dark mansard roof, and a taller pinkish-brown brick block with a central round tower capped by a pointed spire and an entrance bay with a carved triangular pediment. The estate also has a dovecote, a monumental entrance gate with a porter's lodge, and a 1,700-metre brick perimeter wall.

The castle was first recorded in 1538 and changed hands among noble families and church leaders over the centuries. After centuries as a private residence, the estate gained new purpose when it was repurposed as a social institution.

The estate's name lives on in the woods called Borgwal and Ganzendam on the grounds, and in the 1,700-metre brick wall that still rings the 18-hectare domain. Since 1975 the Broeders van Liefde have run Borgwal as a residence for adults with intellectual disabilities, adding pavilions for housing, guidance and recreation.

The grounds have accessible walking paths through the old forests, where visitors can explore the nature and historic setting. It is best to explore the estate on foot to see all the different parts such as the manor house and outbuildings.

The castle underwent major renovation between 2013 and 2015, being converted into contemporary office and residential spaces. This renewal preserves the historical structure while enabling modern living within the estate.