Castle of l'Estriverie, Medieval castle in Bois-de-Lessines, Belgium.
The Castle of l'Estriverie is a fortified structure in the Bois-de-Lessines area featuring stone walls and architectural elements from different eras. The building combines medieval defensive features with later residential additions that fundamentally altered how the property looks today.
The estate was declared a fief by the Counts of Hainaut in 1324 and granted to Gérard de Lestruve, marking its first documented ownership. The Cottrel family then held the property for seven generations beginning in 1483, overseeing extensive renovations during their tenure.
The castle shows how medieval fortifications were transformed into refined homes for noble families across Belgium. This shift is visible in the different building styles added by successive inhabitants over time.
The property is protected as heritage and requires advance permission to visit the grounds or take guided tours. Contact local authorities ahead of time to confirm access arrangements and any conditions for visiting.
The Cottrel family transformed the building so thoroughly over seven generations that few traces of the original medieval structure remain visible today. This ongoing reshaping demonstrates how a single family can reshape a place over the course of centuries.
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