Kasteel van Schoonhoven

Kasteel van Schoonhoven is a historic castle in Aarschot, in the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant. Built on an artificial mound known as a motte, it is one of the region's most notable noble residences, with a history stretching back nearly eight centuries.

How old is the name Schoonhoven?

The name Schoonhoven appears in historical records as early as the middle of the 13th century, marking this site as a seat of local nobility for a remarkably long time. Although no buildings from that earliest period have survived, the location itself — a raised mound surrounded by a moat — remained the fixed anchor point for every structure built here afterward.

What did the original castle look like?

The actual defensive castle is generally believed to have been built around 1500 at the request of Herman van Eynatten. It was a classic moated stronghold of its time, reached by a driveway and a drawbridge, features that gave its residents both practical access and protection during less stable periods. Alongside the main building on the motte stood working structures typical of a self-sufficient estate: a barn and a vegetable garden. Several fish ponds surrounded the property as well, serving both as a food source and as an additional layer of defense that made the residence harder to approach.

Why does the castle look the way it does today?

The appearance most visitors associate with Kasteel van Schoonhoven today dates back to a major 18th-century rebuilding. A new castle was commissioned by Jean-Antoine van der Noot, with the first stone of the project laid in 1777. The result was a classical-style complex arranged in a U-shape, a layout that gave the estate a formal, symmetrical presence typical of grand residences of the era. The main building is topped with a triangular pediment, while both side wings feature curved pediments on their gables — a detail that still defines the castle's elegant silhouette.

Who lived in the castle after the 18th century?

Following its reconstruction, Kasteel van Schoonhoven passed through the hands of a succession of noble and princely families, serving as a family seat for generations. This long period of continuous occupation, however, came to an end in the 20th century, when the estate entered a phase of decline. Without consistent investment and upkeep, both the building and its surrounding grounds gradually fell into a state of neglect.

How was the castle brought back to life?

The turning point came in 1998, when the property was purchased by a family from Leuven. The new owners committed to a lengthy restoration project that unfolded over roughly ten years, carefully returning the castle to something close to its former condition. Thanks to this sustained effort, Kasteel van Schoonhoven today stands as an example of a heritage estate successfully rescued from decades of decline.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Kasteel van Schoonhoven located? The castle is located in Aarschot, in the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant.

When was the first castle on this site built? The original stronghold is believed to date from around 1500, commissioned by Herman van Eynatten, although the name Schoonhoven itself was already recorded in the 13th century.

Who commissioned the current classical-style building? The present building was commissioned by Jean-Antoine van der Noot, with construction beginning in 1777.

Has the castle been restored? Yes. After a period of neglect during the 20th century, the estate was purchased in 1998 and underwent a thorough decade-long restoration.