Bossenstein Castle, Ranst, Belgium

The oldest part of the present Bossenstein Castle is the square keep, probably built before the 14th century by a Joannes van Busco or Van den Bossche. Not much later it went to the Van Berchem family. They are supposed to have made some major alterations to the castle. They sold it in 1544 to Guilelmus van der Rijt, who was a member of the city council of nearby Antwerp. In the deed of sale the castle was described as an impressive estate, with a lot of outbuildings. Of these outbuildings nothing survives.

In 1655 it was sold again, this time to Willem van Halmale. He rebuilt the castle into a beautiful residence, which was still fortified. During the 18th century the castle changed hands several times between several noble families. Between 1798 and 1843 the castle was used by religious institutions. In 1906 the castle underwent restoration works, saving it from slow decay.

At present the castle is surrounded by the grounds of an 18-hole golf and polo club. The terrain of this club is probably not freely accessible. There is however a long distance walking path leading through the golf course which is. As far as I know the castle itself can not be visited.

References:

castles.nl

User Reviews

Diana Liekens (14 months ago)
Very beautiful castle, definitely recommended to visit

Wouter L (17 months ago)
Beautiful castle, nice to have this in a village like Broechem!

Marc Tubex (4 years ago)
Forbidden area and you are also very unkindly reprimanded that it is private property, private property signs hang in the trees between the greenery and barely visible. Apparently it is an elite club for golfers there!!!! Also not worth looking at, there are much nicer places and castles in our beautiful country!

Carol Bamps (4 years ago)
Bossenstein Castle is a water castle near the Belgian town of Broechem. The first mention of the castle dates from 1346. Joannes de Busco or van den Bossche was then mentioned as owner. The castle is named after this person.

Lord Simon Ycra (6 years ago)
Very nice location, nice challenging 18 hole golf course, also nice 9 hole executive course.

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