Picture this a humble farmhouse standing proudly. This is ‘t Hoeveke in Evere a place steeped in history. ‘t Hoeveke meaning “the small farm” in Dutch is more than just a name. It’s a testament to Evere’s rural past. Built in 1638 it’s the oldest remaining farmhouse in the municipality. Imagine the lives lived within its walls.
‘t Hoeveke was once part of a large farm. It served as the residence of the mayor. He represented the lord of Evere. This shows its importance even in the 16th century. The original farmhouse’s ground floor walls are made of puddingstone. These stones were quarried locally. The upper walls are made of compressed earth bricks. The materials were all locally sourced. This highlights the self-sufficiency of the community. Local quarries were active in Evere and Diegem for centuries. Brick and tile making were seasonal industries. They evolved into industrial production later on.
During the 19th century the main house was demolished. ‘t Hoeveke was divided into homes for three farming families. In 1970 the three dwellings were combined into one. Then it was transformed into a party hall. This shows how ‘t Hoeveke adapted to changing times. In 1997 the facades and roof were classified as part of Brussels’ architectural heritage. ‘t Hoeveke became a protected monument.
By 2011 safety standards were no longer met. The municipality invested 220000 EUR. They renovated the building. They modernized the interior. ‘t Hoeveke was redesigned as a venue for cultural events. Today it hosts events for both the French and Flemish communities. It continues to serve the community. ‘t Hoeveke stands as a symbol of Evere’s history. Its journey reflects the evolution of the region. This simple farmhouse offers a glimpse into the past. It remains a vibrant part of Brussels’ cultural landscape.