The castle is in neoclassical style and dates from around 1852 with extensions mainly in 1921. The coach house is also from 1852 with a dog kennel added in 1904.
The park is from 1872 and was built in English landscape style. The 8-shaped water feature includes two islands that can be reached by bridges. A work of art by Paul Destoop has been placed in the park.
Also of importance is the pump mill, in fact a small wind engine that was placed between 1872 and 1883 to pump water from the Gaverbeek into the higher ponds. The mill was in operation until 1908 and was reconstructed in 2005.
Traditionally, this was an open field in the middle of the city, which belonged to the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekapittel in Tournai. It was therefore called den Canunckenbosch. Part of the land was at one point donated to the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekapittel in Kortrijk. The property was confiscated by the French and sold publicly.
At the beginning of the 19th century, it was bought by Godefroid Boulez, who was mayor of Waregem from 1804 to 1819. Around 1816, he had a park laid out and several buildings erected within an 8-shaped moat.
Godefroid's daughter Victoire was married to Ferdinand Storme, who was mayor from 1819 to 1830. She inherited the property in 1829. Their daughter Nathalie married brick manufacturer Felix de Ruyck. They commissioned the construction of the castle and also expanded the domain. In 1852 they moved in.
The park was laid out in English landscape style, and the moat was dug out to create an ornamental pond. A castle with a rectangular plan was created. In 1872 the domain was expanded and in 1878 the castle was also given an extension. In 1883 a portico was built and a new coach house was also added.
In 1897 the domain came to Baron Victor Casier and his wife Marie-Victorine Storme. They used the castle as a summer residence. After 1911 their daughter, Agnes Casier, had a chapel built.
During the First World War the castle was badly damaged and the family archive was also destroyed by fire. In 1919 the castle was restored to its original state. The gardener's house and the pavilion, which had been built in 1816, were demolished.
In 1977 the park was purchased by the municipality. After thorough restoration of the castle and park, the latter was opened to the public as Park Baron Casier from the early 1980s. In 1983, catering facilities were added to the castle.
In the 1990s, a connecting road between the Market and the park was constructed.
Casier Castle was built in neoclassical style between 1847 and 1852. After the death of the first residents (and couple) Felix Deruyck and Nathalie Storme, the castle came into the hands of Baron Victor Casier. His name still lives on today in the name of the castle, which actually served as a summer residence.
The castle is not open to the public, at least not everywhere. Because for more than 40 years you can go to the catering establishment in the castle for a bite to eat and a drink. Especially in the summer you can enjoy the view of the 8 hectare Baron Casier park from the local terrace.
Translated by Google •
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