At the time, Ooidonk Castle was the residence of the Lords of Nevele and owned by the Dukes of Montmorency - including the famous Philip, Count of Horne.
Ooidonk was involved in numerous social conflicts and the religious wars of the 16th century.
The castle, which had been destroyed twice, was rebuilt by the Antwerp notable Maarten della Faille, who had the castle furnished according to the taste and spirit of the Renaissance and gave it a residential character.
In 1864, the castle and the grounds around it were purchased by senator Henri t'Kint de Roodenbeke - who later became president of the Senate (1892-1899) and Minister of State - and his wife Zoé de Naeyer.
Despite the renovation and restoration work of previous centuries, Ooidonk has always continued to shine as a jewel of flamboyant Renaissance architecture.
Today, 150 years after their grandfather, the sixth count and countess t'Kint de Roodenbeke and their three children live in the castle. This historical heritage forms the daily living environment of the family. They maintain the castle and the domain with great passion, just like Count (Juan) t'Kint de Roodenbeke did before them.
It is their aim that everyone - guests and visitors - retains the memory of a beautiful place still embellished by the water, both of the deep moat and of the gently meandering Leie.