‘s Gravenkasteel: A Historic Water Castle in Grimbergen, Belgium

Visitor Information

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Official Website: www.vrt.be

Country: Belgium

Civilization: Unclassified

Remains: Military

History

‘s Gravenkasteel is a water castle situated in the municipality of Grimbergen, Belgium. Its construction is rooted in the medieval period, with origins dating back to the 14th century when local nobility established a fortified residence near the village of Humbeek, adjacent to the ‘s Gravenbos forest.

The oldest surviving structures of the castle date from the 15th and 16th centuries, reflecting its initial phases of development during the late Middle Ages. The castle experienced considerable damage during the violent conflicts of the late 1500s, a turbulent period marked by warfare in the region. Following this destruction, substantial restoration efforts took place in the 17th century, which helped preserve the estate for continued use.

Around the year 1700, a notable moment in the castle’s history occurred when its lord, Jacques Le Cocq, received the noble title of Count in Castile. This elevation raised the status of Humbeek, transforming it into a county. Ownership of the estate later passed to the Le Candele family in 1804. In 1880, the castle came under the possession of the Lunden family from Antwerp through inheritance. Baron Théophile Lunden, a distinguished military officer and royal stable master, held lordship from 1880 until 1908. The Lunden family maintained their connection with the property until 1995, at which point the estate was inherited by the Brussels-based t’Serstevens family. The current lord of the castle is jhr. Didier t’Serstevens.

Throughout its history, the castle has reflected the shifts in noble ownership and local governance, maintaining its role as a notable seat of power within the region. The surrounding grounds and the nearby ‘s Gravenbos forest have long been associated with the estate, providing a setting that complements the castle’s stature.

Remains

The castle presents as a water castle, a type of stronghold partially encircled by water, enhancing its defensive features. Its construction predominantly incorporates brick and sandstone, materials common in the region, lending both durability and aesthetic appeal to the structure.

Inside the castle, visitors find a sandstone fireplace mantel embellished with caryatids, sculpted female figures serving as decorative supports. This detail highlights the artistry embedded within the interior spaces. A distinguished salon features walls lined with Córdoba leather, a luxurious material traditionally sourced from Spain, showing the influence of international styles. Further enhancing the interior are fine examples of 17th-century woodwork and ironwork, testifying to the skilled craftsmanship employed during the castle’s restoration and embellishment phases.

The castle’s park contains two monumental cedar trees, which have been designated as protected monuments since 2010. One is a Lebanon cedar, planted around 1860, considered the oldest of the two. The second is an Atlas cedar, planted after 1880. These significant trees contribute both historical and environmental value to the estate.

Though the castle and its adjacent park remain private properties and are not accessible to the public, the neighboring ‘s Gravenbos forest, covering approximately 100 hectares, offers several walking paths. Among these paths is the GR128 route, a long-distance trail that allows public access through the wooded landscape surrounding the castle. The preservation of these grounds alongside the architectural heritage of the castle ensures the continued historical presence of ‘s Gravenkasteel within the area.