Nestled in Beveren, East Flanders, the provincial estate of Hof ter Saksen stands out as an unmissable getaway combining heritage and nature. This vast 33-hectare green space is home to a magnificent 18th-century castle in the late Baroque style. Long left to decay, this historic masterpiece underwent a spectacular restoration in 2004. Today, the site invites visitors to stroll through an exceptional arboretum featuring thousands of species, a heritage orchard, and preserved themed gardens. This haven of peace perfectly blends the secrets of a rich aristocratic past with the pleasures of a bucolic and sensory stroll.
From ruins to light: the story of a castle saved from oblivion
Before becoming the majestic estate it is today, Hof ter Saksen has existed through the centuries under various names. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, when the site was nothing more than a simple farm. Over time, the estate changed names before being christened Hof ter Saksen, the “Court of Saxony.” It was in the 18th century that the building underwent a radical transformation to become a splendid late Baroque-style castle, a testament to the region’s aristocratic splendor.
Listed as a historic monument in 1980, the château nevertheless fell into prolonged neglect after World War I. The surrounding forest then reclaimed its territory in spectacular fashion: trees began to grow inside the building itself, causing the roof to collapse. This decline came to an end in 2004 when the château was completely rebuilt, and its historic outbuildings were carefully restored. This architectural renaissance transformed this endangered masterpiece into a modern visitor center, ready to reveal its history to guests.
An exceptional arboretum and preserved nature: the charm of Hof ter Saksen
Now protected, the English-style park spans 33 hectares and serves as a true sanctuary for biodiversity. The heart of the estate is home to a vast arboretum featuring over 4,500 plants and a thousand tree species from around the world. As they stroll, visitors pass by an ornamental pond, historic pavilions, a traditional icehouse, and a heritage orchard with 70 varieties of heirloom fruit. A winding wooden path also winds through a small nature reserve.
The walk reveals a superb sensory garden as well as a collection of medieval medicinal plants that reflect local traditions. Along the paths, the restored stables add a unique aristocratic atmosphere to the site. Transformed into a summer café,the orangery invites you to extend your experience on its terrace facing the central pond. Here you can enjoy local beers or artisanal apple juice made from fruit from the orchard. A bucolic haven that serves as a starting point for exploring the Pays de Waas, just an hour from the capital.
📍Hof ter Saksendreef, 9120 Beveren
