Westmalle (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Westmalle Castle Park in the Belgian province of Antwerp has been made completely accessible to the general public. For many years, the park existed as private property until last year, when Stichting Kempens Landschap became its owner. The area has undergone essential management projects, which permit the public to stroll through it securely.
The Westmalle Castle Park became accessible to everyone after Stichting Kempens Landschap purchased it from private ownership in 2021. The park’s opening has been made possible through essential maintenance work on pruning trees and bridge maintenance, while now enabling people to visit both front and back park sections. The estate now provides historical exhibits for visitors and functions as a recreational area for walkers as well as families and nature enthusiasts, as reported by VRT.
“This domain will now become a place where young and old can enjoy the silence, the greenery and the history in peace. We hope that the park will become a place of inspiration for walkers, nature lovers and families from the entire region,”
says provincial executive Jan De Haes (N-VA), chairman of the Kempens Landschap Foundation.
“It is an absolute added value for the residents of Malle. It is a rolling landscape with romantic bridges. I am completely in love with the domain. Everyone is happy here. It is a nice environment to stay in,”
adds Mayor Sanne Van Looy (N-VA).
What is the history behind Westmalle Castle Park’s transformation?
The stages of development at Westmalle Castle Park resulted from multiple centuries of ownership changes followed by restoration and landscaping projects. In 1100, Mansus de Trisco operated as a fortified farm, yet Evrard de Cottereau transformed it into a castle in 1561.
Following 1561, when Evrard de Cottereau established the castle, it changed hands several times through noble families while undergoing restoration twice, first by Baron de Norman in 1829 and then by Lord Bovie from 1848 until 1874. During the Bovie era, the estate received its design from landscape architect Koelich, who shifted the fortress into a residential landscape.
The dual World War periods brought destruction to both the castle property and its grounds from British air attacks in 1941 and subsequent military occupation.
The tornado in 1967 brought severe destruction throughout the park, but the natural layout survived with lasting effects from that storm. The castle progressed through various private owners until the Stichting Kempens Landschap Foundation purchased it to preserve Flemish heritage and landscapes.
