The Jachtslot Berentrode, also called the Kasteel van Berentrode or 't Spaanshuis, is the oldest building in the Belgian municipality of Bonheiden. It is assumed that the municipality originated from here and grew into what it is today. The oldest remains of the building are the very thick lower walls under the current central section. However, it is not possible to say with certainty whether a simple castle tower once stood here. In the 16th century, the building underwent major renovations.
During the Nine Years' War (1689-1697), the castle was a fiefdom located in the lordship of Bonheiden. The castle, which was often renovated, no longer had a defensive character in the 16th and 17th centuries. It was owned by the lord Philipus Franciscus Baert since 1685. In 1757, the castle was still described as a very mediocre building that seems to have been built in the middle of a forest for the enjoyment of walks and solitude. In 2015, the building consists of three separate homes: a farm section at the back, then the middle section (which was recently completely restored) and finally the third section, which is visible from the Berentdrodedreef. Over the years, many renovations have been carried out (especially in the 1970s and 1980s), which do not immediately adorn the building. Since the beginning of the 21st century, attempts have been made to restore the building to its former glory (historically). As a tribute, the name Berentrode has been given to the municipal sports hall in the Grote Doelstraat.
A bicycle tour passes the hunting lodge. Where the circular path around the castle is now, used to be the castle moat.
The Berentrode Hunting Lodge, also called the Berentrode Castle or 't Spaanshuis, is the oldest building in the Belgian municipality of Bonheiden. It is believed that from here the community emerged and grew into what it is today. The oldest remains of the structure are the very thick lower walls under the current central section. However, it cannot be said with certainty whether a simple castle tower once stood here. The building underwent major renovations in the 16th century.
At the time of the Nine Years' War (1689-1697), the castle was a fief located in the manor of Bonheiden. The castle, which was often renovated, no longer had a defensive character in the 16th and 17th centuries. It was owned by Mr. Philipus Franciscus Baert since 1685. In 1757 the castle was described as a very mediocre building that seems to have been built in the middle of a forest for the enjoyment of walks and solitude.
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