Picture this a sprawling 18th-century farmhouse nestled in the Elegem hamlet. This is Hof ten Elegem. Its story unfolds like a captivating tale.
Hof ten Elegem is more than just a farm. It’s a living testament to Dilbeek’s rich past. It was built by the Abbess Maria Anna Philippina d’Ennetieres de la Plaigne. She headed the nearby Sint-Wivina monastery. Her vision? To ensure a steady supply of food. Above the farmhouse entrance a relief stone depicts two bears. They hold her coat of arms. It reads Stella duce with the star’s help.
The construction of Hof ten Elegem wasn’t a single event. It happened in phases. The milk house bears the date 1738. The stable shows 1742. These details paint a vivid picture of the farm’s evolution.
The French Revolution brought upheaval. In 1794 Hof ten Elegem was sold. All church property was confiscated. This marked a turning point in the farm’s history.
Legend whispers of Boncœur. He was the son of tenant farmer Mulders. He served Napoleon. Boncœur fought bravely. He returned twelve years later. He was an officer.
Another interesting fact connects Hof ten Elegem to a familiar sight in Brussels. The son of tenant farmer Walravens sculpted the Sacred Heart statue. It stands proudly in the Basilica of Koekelberg.
Hof ten Elegem. More than just a building. It is a piece of history waiting to be explored. A silent witness to centuries of change. Its stones whisper tales of faith revolution and resilience. Remember its story next time you see it.