Kasteel De Klee

Kasteel De Klee is a small castle in Kuttekoven, a village that forms part of the municipality of Tongeren-Borgloon in the Belgian region of Haspengouw, standing at Kleestraat 20. The building was constructed between 1904 and 1907 in an eclectic style with a distinct neo-baroque leaning, commissioned by Baroness Sneyers-d'Attenhoven. Though it lacks the centuries-old military history of a true fortress, the estate is one of the more notable residences in this corner of Belgian Limburg, and since 2003 both the castle and its surrounding park have been legally protected as heritage sites.

What does the castle look like?

The most recognizable feature of the building is its square tower, topped with a slender, tapering spire that gives the whole residence a distinctive silhouette visible from the surrounding farmland. The rest of the structure follows the eclectic residential architecture typical of the turn of the 20th century, blending various historical styles into a single representative whole - a common approach for the country houses of wealthy families in that era.

Why was the castle rebuilt?

In 1933, Kasteel De Klee suffered damage in a fire, after which the building underwent reconstruction. Thanks to this restoration, the residence retained its original eclectic, neo-baroque character to this day, even though parts of the physical fabric of the building were renewed.

What is notable about the park?

The castle is surrounded by a park covering roughly 2 hectares, which forms a separated section of the older Cleepachthof estate - a historic farmstead that also once had its own castle standing on its grounds. The park is located on the Cleeveld, an elevated plateau northwest of Borgloon, surrounded by the farmland and orchards typical of the Haspengouw region. This agricultural, orchard-filled setting - a region well known for its apple and pear cultivation - gives the area a particular charm, especially in spring during the blossom season.

Is the castle legally protected?

Yes - both the building itself and its accompanying park were listed as protected heritage on July 9, 2003. This legal protection covers not only the residence's architecture but also the historic layout of the green space around it, allowing the overall character of this castle-and-park ensemble to be preserved.

Where exactly is it located?

Kasteel De Klee lies in Kuttekoven, a small village administratively belonging to Tongeren-Borgloon, in the province of Limburg, Belgium. This is the Haspengouw region, known for its gently rolling landscape, orchards, and smaller country residences scattered among the fields - Kasteel De Klee is one such property, though as a private estate it is not always open for interior visits.

Frequently asked questions

Can visitors go inside the castle? The castle serves a private function, so access to the interior is limited - it is worth checking locally or with a nearby tourist information point before planning a visit.

When is the best time to visit the area? Given the neighboring orchards of Haspengouw, spring (the fruit tree blossom period) is a particularly attractive time to explore this part of the region.

How does Kasteel De Klee differ from the nearby Cleepachthof? Cleepachthof is the older, historic farmstead from which the land of the current castle park was separated - Kasteel De Klee is the younger, distinct residence built in the early 20th century.