Picture this. You are standing before Kasteel van Walfergem a magnificent structure steeped in centuries of history. This isn’t just any castle. It’s a living testament to generations of families the ‘t Kints and the Delvauxs who shaped its destiny.
Kasteel van Walfergem initially stood on the site of Hof te Huseghem a moated farmhouse dating back to the 15th century. In 1654 Arnout ‘t Kint acquired the property. His grandson Steven significantly expanded it around 1710 creating what was then known as a ‘speelhuys’ a playful country retreat. By 1729 the central section was transformed into an impressive entrance.
The castle passed through various hands. Jacques t’Kint a wine merchant embellished the gardens. However he faced bankruptcy in 1774. A fascinating detail from the public auction of 1775 described Kasteel van Walfergem as a “beautiful castle or plaything with its chapel fine stables and large barn”. This detail emphasizes its dual nature both grand residence and enjoyable retreat.
In 1820 the ‘t Kint family regained ownership thanks to Jacques-Dominique t’Kint an influential jurist. His interests lay elsewhere primarily in lacemaking and land acquisition. Kasteel van Walfergem became a rental property.
The Delvaux family’s arrival marked a new era. Marie-Louise t’Kint married Laurent-Joseph Delvaux in 1822. He was involved in the founding of the Societe generale de Belgique. They transformed the formal gardens into a picturesque landscape. The family’s commitment to the estate is evident in projects such as the 80-meter-long fruit wall built in 1835 and the orangerie constructed in 1851.
The castle remained in the Delvaux family for generations. Raymond Delvaux even co-authored a book detailing the estate’s history. Today the Kasteel van Walfergem stands as a reminder of its rich past its blend of grandeur and intimacy. It encapsulates the stories of influential families their ambitions and their legacy. It’s more than bricks and mortar it’s a chronicle of Brussels’ history waiting to be explored.