For centuries, Mariënstede Castle was the residence of the noble de Croix family. However, it is not certain whether Knight Jan van Dadizele lived here.
In June 1699, Ignace Ferdinand de Croix (1660-1745) had the castle of the Bleutour estate (Berquin, northern France) demolished stone by stone and transported here by workers from Dadizele to build a new castle. Due to a lack of stone, he established two brickworks in Dadizele to ensure sufficient material. The building was completed in the early 18th century.
During World War I, it was captured by the Germans and severely damaged by Allied bombardments in the summer and autumn of 1917.
After the war, the right wing was demolished. The castle became much smaller in size.
In 1953, the de Bouillé family sold the entire estate to the Diocese of Bruges.
Maria Assumpta became a retreat house for priests. The arches on the facade, the chapel on the right, and the outbuilding on the left date from that period.
In 1985, Mariënstede became a residential and work environment for adults with disabilities. Château Superette, a shop selling fair-trade products and products made by the residents, serves as the ideal link between the local population and the castle's residents.
In January 2015, the canopy was demolished, and the facade regained its former charm.
Source: toerismedadizele.be