The old parsonage of Nieuwenrode, or rather the former nunnery, gave rise to the village structure that has been protected since 1976. The building, the gate, the garden and pond are protected as a monument and as a landscape. The decision came after part of the parsonage was severely damaged by fire in 1967. In 1128, Grimbergen Abbey was founded by Hugo, abbot of the Order of Premonstreit and deputy of St. Norbertus, Grimbergen Abbey. Through an agreement between the Berthouts and the Lords of Wolvertem, the necessary grounds were found in Nieuwenrode for a separate nunnery. It was built in 1643-1647 at the confluence of the Kleine Schriekbeek and the Bierbeek. It was surrounded by water on all sides. The building was enlarged in 1682 in the traditional brick and sandstone style of the Renaissance. The year can be found on the beam in the Berthoutszaal.
Before the restoration, the building had been empty for decades. The function of the building changed regularly. Still, judging by architectural features, most places can be defined. The entrance is centrally located and is located in the axis of Kerkstraat. The axis is supported by the free-standing white stone entrance gate and by the bridge over the wall.
The building can be divided into three zones, both spatially and functionally: the actual parsonage on the east side, the middle building as the reception area and the west facade with the services. This division has remained recognizable even after the restoration. The building opened in 1989 as a community center and has since been the sensitizer, stimulator and beating heart of the cultural life in the municipality.
(Municipality of Kapelle Op den Bos)