Speelhof

Speelhof is a green public estate in the Schurhoven district of Sint-Truiden, Belgium, built around a former country residence of the town's abbey. Today it functions as a popular recreation area within walking distance of the main square.

Where did the estate come from?

Speelhof was founded in 1585 on the initiative of Abbot Christoffel de Blocquerie as a country retreat for the heads of the Abbey of Sint-Truiden. It remained abbey property until 1796, when ownership shifted amid the broader changes of that era. The name itself — literally "playhouse" — points to the role the place had for the resident clergy: a retreat for rest and recreation away from the abbey's daily duties.

What can visitors see on the grounds?

The building complex includes a manor house with stables, a transverse barn, and a gatehouse with a dovecote dating from the late 18th century. The manor house itself, with an orangery standing behind it, was built in the first half of the 19th century. All the structures are whitewashed, giving the ensemble a uniform, recognizable look. At the center of the complex sits a rectangular paved courtyard with a fountain.

The whole estate is enclosed by a wall and a moat, and inside it stretches a park with tree-lined avenues and old trees, along with an orchard and a vegetable garden. Because of its historical and architectural value, Speelhof holds protected heritage status in Flanders.

How is the site used today?

Nowadays Speelhof mainly serves recreational purposes. A bark-chip Finnish running track runs through the grounds, offering three loop lengths — 2,470 m, 2,016 m, and 1,495 m — and it is lit, so it can also be used in the evening.

Near the 't Meiland care facility there is a movement park for seniors, with nine varied exercise stations designed for older residents of the area. A cycling route network also passes through the estate, and a picnic spot has been set up near cycling node 189.

Entry to the grounds is free for both joggers and recreational visitors. Free showers are available at the nearby Trudo Sporthal — on weekdays from 8am to 9pm, and on weekends by reservation.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to Speelhof free? Yes, entry is free for joggers and anyone visiting for recreation.

What was Speelhof originally used for? It was a country residence for the abbots of the Abbey of Sint-Truiden, founded in 1585 and used by the abbey until 1796.

What sports facilities are on site? A Finnish running track with three distance options, a movement park with nine exercise stations for seniors, and cycling routes with a picnic area.

Is the Speelhof complex a protected heritage site? Yes, the whole ensemble — manor house, stables, barn, and gatehouse with dovecote — is protected heritage in Flanders.