Zellaer Castle

Zellaer Castle, locally known as Kasteel van Zellaer, lies north of the village of Bonheiden, in the province of Antwerp in the Flemish Region in Belgium.

The first castle at this site was probably built sometime during the 13th century by Wouter VI Berthout, Lord of Mechelen. Likely during the 17th century, the medieval castle was significantly rebuilt.

In 1836, Zellaer Castle was sold at a public auction. It was eventually acquired by Baron Albert d’Udekem d’Acoz, who donated it to his granddaughter, Gabrielle Marie Neeffs. When she married Baron Gustave de Vrière in 1886, it passed on to his family. By then, the castle was in a state of disrepair. Gustave had the old castle demolished and had the current castle built on its foundations by architect Heugenbaarts from Mechelen, between 1888 and 1892.

The current castle is constructed from white sandstone taken from the demolished defenses of Vilvoorde. It’s said that this castle was inspired by a castle in the French Loire Valley, although reduced in size, but which one remains unknown.

From 1962 to 2017, Zellaer Castle served as a spiritual reflection center operated by the Foyer de Charité Association. It is now owned by the local council, which is still developing plans for its use. Currently, it hosts catering events during the summer months. The castle grounds are now a public park, and the castle itself can be visited on Sundays and by appointment.

So, although this isn't a historic castle but a 19th-century reconstruction, I still like it because it is a beautiful remake.

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