Stijn Streuvels (1871-1969) made his name with novels such as "De vlaschaard, de teleurgang van de Waterhoek, Prutske and the novelle: Het leven en de dood in den ast". With his large and richly varied oeuvre about Flemish country life, Streuvels became one of the most important Dutch-language writers of the twentieth century.
WRITING PLACE THEN AND NOW
Streuvels built Het Lijsternest in 1905, looking for a place to write in peace. Through a wide window at his writing table you still have a wonderful view of the beautiful, rolling Ingooigem and Tiegem landscape that inspired the author. He lived there with his wife Alida Staelens until his death in 1969.
Streuvels did not want a statue, but he did hope that Het Lijsternest would be preserved intact after his death. And that happened. The Province of West Flanders bought and restored the house and opened it to the public, a task that has since been taken over by the Flemish Government and the Letterenhuis. During the winter months, writers move into Het Lijsternest.
EXPERIENCE
Het Lijsternest has been preserved as Streuvels knew it, with the works of art of his friends, his travel souvenirs, his extensive library and his writing desk. The visitor feels like a guest of the author. A tablet with photos and videos guides you through the house, the garden, the life and the work of Stijn Streuvels. After your visit, you can explore the region he loved so much with various walking routes based on Streuvels and his work.