Park Berlaarhof walk

Until recently, relatively little was known about the history of this remarkable estate. The focus was mainly on its most famous owner, tenor Ernest Van Dijck, who took up residence here around the year 1900. However, the archives of his descendants, the Vanderlinden family, have revealed numerous new details and include photographs and plans from the early 20th century, when the castle and garden were modified.

In 2018, the manor was purchased by the municipality of Berlaar. The accompanying farmhouses and gardener's house became private residences, while the castle and garden were given a social purpose. In 2020, non-profit organization Villa Vip moved into the castle. Ten adults with disabilities live there under the supervision of a care couple.

The castle garden was opened to the public in late 2020, forming a green lung for the village center. The park is managed by Kempens Landschap, with attention to the historical and landscape elements, but also the ecological function. Among other things, fruit trees, a bee hotel and native trees were provided.

Het Berlaarhof and part of the garden were established as architectural heritage, according to a decree of September 14, 2019, because of its historical and architectural value. The estate also falls within the landscape ensemble "Gestel and its surroundings.

📏 1 km
🕑 36 min.
🏔 flat terrain
📍 Pastorijstraat 30, Berlaar
🏁 Park Berlaarhof, Pastorijstraat 9, Berlaar