“Ferme d’en Haut” it was once called. It stands as a testament to Villeneuve d’Ascq’s rural past. This hexagon-shaped farm covers about 1000 square meters. It is built around a large inner courtyard.
The Ferme de l’ancien château owes its name to its location. It is opposite the Château de Flers. That chateau is also known as Ferme d’en Bas. The Ferme de l’ancien château was also called Cense du Frasnoy. This came from a local place name. It was also known as Ferme Delesalle. This was the name of the last farmer who worked here.
We don’t know exactly when the Ferme de l’ancien château was built. However there is a record from 1733. It is in the Fives land register. The register is kept in the Nord Departmental Archives. This register details the lands belonging to the Priory of Fives.
Antoine Thimoléon d’Hespel de Flenques acquired the Ferme de l’ancien château in 1844. He came from an old bourgeois family from Lille. The family owned it until 1928. Then Hélène d’Hespel de Flenques became the owner. She was the wife of Count Jacques de Maussion du Bois de Tertu.
In 1951 Hélène’s daughter inherited the farm. Her name was Myriam de Maussion du Bois de Tertu. She was the wife of Count Joseph-Roger Rioult de Neuville.
The Countess of Neuville sold the Ferme de l’ancien château to the State in November 1969. In 1973 the State assigned it to the E.P.A.L.E. This was a public development organization for Lille-East. The farm became the property of the Lille urban community in 1984. This happened after the E.P.A.L.E. was liquidated.
In 1978 “les ateliers du Haut de Flers” occupied the Ferme de l’ancien château. This was a civil society that hosted eight artists’ workshops. There were wood and stone sculptors, ceramicists, engravers and painters.
The Ferme de l’ancien château became a “Maison folie” in 2004. This was during “Lille 2004 European Capital of Culture”. The “Quatra” architectural agency renovated it. They preserved the site’s rural character. This included bricks and red woodwork. They also added contemporary elements. These were colored concrete floors, steel and large translucent walls.
Today the Ferme de l’ancien château is a cultural hub. It has eight buildings. There is a performance hall and an exhibition hall. Also studios, accommodation a cafe and a restaurant. Plus a living space a central area and artists’ studios. The Ferme de l’ancien château is now open to everyone.
The renovation of the Ferme de l’ancien château blended heritage and modernity. It preserved the rural character of the site. It integrated contemporary elements too. The Ferme de l’ancien château is a place for meeting and exchanging ideas. It hosts multidisciplinary artistic projects. These include live performances music and visual arts. Also artist residencies and art workshops. Artists in residence meet with locals during their creations. These residencies cover theatre music and visual arts. The aim is to mix generations. It builds bridges between them. It also reaches out to people who don’t usually visit cultural venues. Locals are more likely to attend an event. Especially if they have been involved in it.
The Ferme de l’ancien château stands as a vibrant space. It is where the past connects with the present. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of art and community. It provides a unique cultural experience for all.