Kasteel Du Parc-Locmaria

Kasteel Du Parc-Locmaria is a 19th-century château located in Herzele, a municipality in the East Flanders province of Belgium. The estate belongs to the du Parc Locmaria family and remains one of the notable landmarks of the local landscape.

When was the château built?

The building was constructed in classical style on the orders of Baron Van de Woestyne, with construction completed in 1840. In the early 20th century, the structure underwent a substantial renovation that gave it a neoclassical appearance inspired by the Louis XVI style. Because of this two-stage history, the building today combines the stricter 19th-century composition with the more decorative elements added during the later remodeling.

What materials was the château built from?

The walls were raised in brick and sandstone, while the roof was finished in slate — a material combination typical of Belgian manor houses from this period. At the entrance to the estate stand three distinctive houses that once accommodated the staff working on the estate grounds. This arrangement, with staff housing lining the entrance drive, was a common feature of 19th-century aristocratic residences.

What does the surrounding park look like?

An avenue lined with oak and linden trees leads to the château, opening onto a sweeping park of more than 10 hectares. The park was laid out in a strict classical style, though part of the grounds was also designed in the freer, more naturalistic manner of an English garden. The estate additionally preserves an ice cellar and a pond, and the grounds are planted with unique tree species that give the park value beyond its purely ornamental role.

Did anything else happen on the estate grounds?

Between the two world wars, the meadows adjoining the entrance avenue hosted well-known horse races. These events drew members of Belgian high society, who attended as invited guests. This episode shows that the estate served not only as a private residence but also as a gathering place for the local elite.

Can the château and park be visited?

Both the château building and its surrounding park remain closed to the public, as the property is privately owned. This means Kasteel Du Parc-Locmaria can mainly be appreciated from the outside, for instance while walking along nearby trails that pass close to the edges of the estate within the municipality of Herzele.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Kasteel Du Parc-Locmaria located? In Herzele, a municipality in the East Flanders province of Belgium.

When was the château built? In 1840, commissioned by Baron Van de Woestyne in classical style; it was remodeled in a neoclassical Louis XVI style in the early 20th century.

What materials was the building constructed from? Brick and sandstone, with a slate roof.

How large is the estate's park? More than 10 hectares, combining a classical layout with English-garden elements, a pond, and an ice cellar.

Is the château open to visitors? No — both the château and its park are private property and are not open for public visits.