Just a stone’s throw from the canals of Damme andthe bustling streets of Bruges, Oostkerke Castle stands as a romantic treasure with its red-brick facades. A true 14th-century fortress, this building with its rounded towers embodies the perfect blend ofmedieval architecture and the poetry of “English-style” gardens, among the most beautiful in the country. But beyond the majestic silhouette of its castle, the village of Oostkerke—voted the most beautiful hamlet in West Flanders—reveals its charms, nestled among centuries-old windmills and a listed Gothic church. A timeless getaway where stately heritage and the serenity of the polder landscapes blend to offer visitors a complete immersion in the Flemish way of life.
Oostkerke Castle: the resurrection of a medieval giant
The history of Oostkerke Castle is one of miraculous survival. While the first mentions of a keep date back to 1300, it was during the 14th century that the building asserted its seigneurial power. At that time, the fortress consisted of imposing buildings surrounded by defensive towers and protected by wide moats, as well as a dovecote, a symbol of local wealth and privilege. Yet, after centuries of occupation, fires, and the ravages of World War II, the estate was nothing more than a field of ruins, left to decay.
It wasn’t until the 20th century and the vision of Baron Joseph van der Elst that a major restoration was undertaken: the moat was deepened, the entrance bridge rebuilt, and the west wing transformed in a refined Renaissance style. But the genius of the place lies in the union of stone and vegetation. Under the guidance of Mien Ruys, the castle’s gardens were completely redesigned and transformed into elegant English-style green spaces. Between the enclosed courtyard, the rose garden, and the Maria Garden, this horticultural masterpiece blends seamlessly into the flat landscape of the surrounding polders.
White houses and windmills: the timeless charm of Oostkerke
Voted the most beautiful village in West Flanders in 1974, Oostkerke has managed to preserve its authentic charm. The heart of the hamlet unfolds around a series of charming traditional white houses, whose purity highlights the splendor ofSaint-Quentin Church. This originally Romanesque building, tragically destroyed during World War II, was subsequently rebuilt exactly as it was. Today, its Gothic appearance seems to have never left the village, offering visitors a powerful testament to Flemish resilience.
Beyond the typical houses, the horizon opens up to the guardians of this polder landscape: two historic windmills stand proudly on the edge of the village like motionless witnesses. To soak up this unique atmosphere, take the Krinkeldijk dike, consideredone of the country’s most beautiful cycling routes, winding through the sublime neighboring polders. Between the Damme Canal and the village’s authentic foundations, Oostkerke invites you on a soothing, unforgettable getaway, less than 90 minutes from the capital.
