Kasteel Les Fayards

Kasteel Les Fayards is a small castle in Sint-Kruis, a district of Bruges, located at Pelderijnstraat 54. Its name means "the beeches," a reference to trees that once grew on the estate. Tucked away in a quiet, green corner of the city, far from the tourist-heavy center of Bruges, it's a rewarding stop for anyone interested in the region's lesser-known historical sites.

Where did the estate come from?

Records already mention a "Lustbosch," a recreational woodland used by local residents, on this site as early as 1835. The property changed character in the early 20th century when Julien Nyssens-Hart, a chief engineer involved in developing the Bruges Seaport, purchased the land in 1907. It's thanks to him that the residence still standing today came into existence.

Who designed the building?

The country house, together with a coach house, was built between 1907 and 1908. The design is attributed to Alphonse de Pauw, and the building was executed in neoclassical style — marked by balanced symmetry, restrained façade coloring, and the moderate ornamentation typical of residences built for wealthy families of that era. A garden and pond were laid out around the house in the style of an English landscape park, giving the whole estate the feel of a countryside retreat despite its closeness to the city.

How has the castle's use changed over time?

Over the decades, Kasteel Les Fayards has served several different purposes. In 1977, the estate was purchased by the Westvlaams Economisch Studiebureau (West Flanders Economic Study Bureau), which made the castle available as accommodation for students of the nearby College of Europe in Bruges, a prestigious institution training specialists in European affairs. From 1982 onward, the building operated as an observation and therapeutic center known as "De Berkjes," used for care and treatment purposes.

What is happening with the castle today?

The most recent chapter in the building's history began in September 2025, when a permit was issued to convert it into a holistic medical center. This marks yet another shift in function for a property that has been repeatedly repurposed — from an industrialist's residence, to a student dormitory, to a therapeutic center, and now to a planned healthcare facility. The castle's history illustrates how buildings of this kind in Belgium often pass through multiple stages of use while retaining their architectural character.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Kasteel Les Fayards located? At Pelderijnstraat 54 in Sint-Kruis, a district of Bruges, in the West Flanders region of Belgium.

When was the castle built? The residence was built between 1907 and 1908 for Julien Nyssens-Hart.

Who designed the building? The design is attributed to architect Alphonse de Pauw, in neoclassical style.

Can the castle be visited? The building currently does not serve as a public tourist attraction — it is being converted into a medical center, so it's worth checking its current status before visiting.

What's notable about the grounds surrounding the castle? The property is surrounded by an English-style landscape park with a pond, laid out alongside the residence in the early 20th century, giving the site an intimate, green character.