“Settlement in the swamp.” That’s said to be where the name Brussels comes from. But here at the Kasteelhoeve, nu rijschool, history isn’t about murky origins. It’s about evolution.
The Kasteelhoeve, nu rijschool stands as a testament to time. It is a place where echoes of the past resonate through its very structure. Once a fortified farmhouse dating back to the 12th century, the Kasteelhoeve has witnessed centuries of change. Representatives of the Dukes of Brabant established a fortified farmhouse in Westmalle. Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, owned the farm in the 1400s.
Around 1840, a new farmstead was built where B&B De Kasteelhoeve stands today. It was a long facade farmhouse. The farmer’s residence and the stables were situated behind the same long facade. The farmstead expanded near the end of the nineteenth century with a granary. That building now houses Brasserie De Kasteelhoeve. The farmstead’s history remained closely tied to the castle. Well into the twentieth century, the castle owners leased the farmstead and lands to local farmers who cultivated the agricultural land. That is where the name “De Kasteelhoeve” comes from.
In 1945, Petrus Hillen and Rosalia Willems took residence at the farmstead. They raised seven children together. They were the last tenants. In 1983, Leen, the granddaughter of Peer Hillen, and her husband Lode moved in. They opened a tavern in the adjoining barn. In 1986, they received permission to transform the barn into a tavern.
On June 24, 1988, “De Kasteelhoeve” tavern opened. It provided a familial atmosphere for patrons to enjoy food and drinks. Lode and Leen purchased the farmstead from the baron. The menu and the establishment expanded. A conservatory, an event hall, a playground and two spacious terraces were added.
Starting in 2018, Leen and Lode enjoyed their retirement. They handed over the business to their son Michaël and daughter Sigrid. Sigrid oversees daily operations. Michaël mainly works behind the scenes, significantly influencing the menu.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sigrid and Michaël decided to transform the event hall into seven hotel rooms in B&B style. They renovated the existing infrastructure, incorporating modern comforts while preserving the original wooden support beams.
B&B De Kasteelhoeve opened on May 1, 2023. Today, the Kasteelhoeve, nu rijschool blends tradition with modernity. It has evolved to meet the needs of the community. As a rijschool, it prepares new generations for the roads ahead.
So, as you stand here, consider the layers of history beneath your feet. The Kasteelhoeve, nu rijschool is not just a building. It is a living chronicle of Brussels. It connects us to the past and guides us toward the future.