Château de la Motte

Château de la Motte is a moated castle in Groot-Gelmen, a district of Sint-Truiden in the Belgian province of Limburg, set within a tree-filled park. The estate occupies the site of an earlier medieval motte-and-bailey fortification — an earthen mound topped with a defensive tower and surrounded by water.

How did the castle come to be?

The first structure on the site was built between 1342 and 1367 on the initiative of Henri de Brouckom, who held a fief under the bishopric of Liège. Of that original tower, only the cellars survive today, built from regularly cut flint with corners finished in white sandstone.

Another key part of the complex is the gate tower, built between 1531 and 1589 by J. de Rijckel. It was fitted with a lifting-bridge mechanism, and the structure survived a fire in 1690.

How did the castle's appearance change over time?

The residence was expanded several times. Baron J. de Herckenrode carried out works in 1758, and J. Ulens commissioned a further expansion in 1835. It was during the second half of the 19th century that the building acquired its present eclectic character, blending elements of several historical styles.

Nineteenth-century alterations added neo-Gothic details: crenellations, decorative slate-roofed dormers and other elements echoing medieval aesthetics. The main building was constructed from brick combined with limestone and marl stone. The façade spans six bays across two and a half storeys, and the corners of the castle are crowned with turrets topped by pyramidal roofs.

What architectural details stand out?

The elevations feature rectangular window openings framed in marl stone, stepped gables, a central risalit and a crenellated parapet. The eastern part of the castle farm buildings underwent a neo-Gothic renovation in the late 19th century and today houses a restaurant.

The whole estate is encircled by a moat, and the surrounding park is densely wooded, giving the site an intimate, picturesque character.

What protected status does the castle have?

Château de la Motte has been listed as protected architectural heritage of the Flemish Region since 1 February 2018. The building remains in a well-preserved condition, and the grounds around it are registered as part of the Park of Kasteel De Motte heritage site.

What is the castle used for today?

Château de la Motte now functions as a multi-purpose venue. It hosts celebrations, seminars, events and business meetings, with five meeting rooms accommodating between 50 and 400 people. The former castle farm, renovated in neo-Gothic style, houses a restaurant with a terrace serving Flemish cuisine. The site also offers accommodation through the De Kleine Motte holiday lodges, with 17 non-smoking rooms for up to 45 guests, each equipped with a smart TV and internet access.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Château de la Motte located? The castle stands at Mettekovenstraat 4 in Groot-Gelmen, part of the municipality of Sint-Truiden in the province of Limburg.

When was the castle built? The first structure on the site dates from 1342–1367, but the castle owes its current appearance to expansions in 1758 and 1835 and a major rebuild in the second half of the 19th century.

Does anything remain from the original fortress? Yes — the cellars of the original tower survive, built from flint and sandstone, and the gate tower with its lifting-bridge mechanism dates from 1531–1589.

Can visitors stay overnight or hold events there? Yes, the castle grounds include a hotel with 17 rooms (up to 45 guests) and five meeting rooms used for celebrations and business events.