Top 4 Castles around Sint-Laureins

St. Theresia Burgh Castle; a small castle built in the 1990s by Carlos Verbuyt himself, built with all kinds of original materials from other castles, including a moat.

The new provincial heritage site Middelburg will open its doors on April 22, 2024. Here above ground we see an impression of what is safely under our feet a few centimeters lower: the foundations of the castle of Pieter Bladelin, an important financial official of the Dukes of Burgundy. The floor plan of the towers, walls and entrance gate is marked in volumes of corten steel and earth. Open space also remains available. A new meeting place for the neighborhood and a new attraction for visitors! A new asset for Middelburg and a new heritage site for the Province. Source: www.oostvlaanderen.be

The Elderschans or Eederschans (originally: Heilleschans, later corrupted to the current name) was an isolated fortification west of Aardenburg, which was part of the State-Spanish Lines. The Elderschans was built in 1604, together with the Olieschans, to defend Aardenburg. She was located on the estuary of the Platvliet. In 1673 the fort was demolished. In 1728 the redoubt was owned by Hendrik de Beaufort (1686-1740), who was lord of Duivendijke, and by Justina Geertruida van Welderen. They sold it in 1729 to Petrus Adrianus van Affelen, who was mayor of the Vrije van Sluis and founded a country estate here. After his death, this property belonged to his widow, Catharina van Uffelen, who changed the name to Rustenburg. In 1770 the estate was sold to Daniel Veijs, who was married to Maria Zonnevylle. The name became Elderschans again. After Daniel had also died, his heirs sold the Elderschans in 1800 to four dignitaries from Aardenburg, who each became the owner for a quarter. In 1841 there were even five owners. One of them was Pieter Christiaan Jacobus Hennequin, and in 1885 he managed to acquire full ownership of the Elderschans. He then had a country house built that was designed by Jan Adriaan Frederiks in an eclectic style. It was built at the point where two avenues, which had already been laid out in the 18th century, intersected. The park was redesigned. After he died, his wife, Wilhelmina Johanna van Oostenwijk Stern, lived there for a while. In 1915 she left for Hilversum and in 1919 she sold the estate. This has known many owners since then. The country house was damaged by shellfire in 1944, and in 1945 the then municipality of Aardenburg bought it, only to sell it to a private individual in 1986. However, the park remained municipal property. The inner and outer moat of the fort are still largely present and the course of the ramparts is recognizable. The area is wooded and you can walk there. It is one of the few forests in this area and one of the few estates in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. Source Wikipedia

Kasteel Elderschans is a historic castle. The castle has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. It was originally built as a defensive fortress and later served as a strategic point during several wars and conflicts. The castle is best known for its impressive architecture and beautiful surroundings. It is surrounded by a vast forest area. Today, Kasteel Elderschans functions as a hotel and resort, where guests can enjoy a relaxing stay in historic surroundings. It also offers various facilities such as restaurants, wellness centers and leisure activities. In short, a nice stop during your walk!

Originally it consisted of a square keep on a motte, as well as a forecourt from around 1100.[1] Especially in the basement there are still old parts such as a crypt covered with a barrel vault. The castle is still partly surrounded by a moat. A bridge with four round arches from the 17th and 18th centuries provides access. In the castle hang mourning boards from the 19th century, which used to hang in the church, as well as the mourning board of Pierre de la Villette from 1716. In the left wing of the castle there is an ice cellar.[2] The castle is surrounded by a beautiful garden with a pond. Parts of the forecourt were found here. From the 1960s the castle was used for receptions and parties. Source: Wikipedia

Ter Leyen Castle is an early Renaissance castle with two slender corner towers on Boekhoutedorp. It is now painted white, which gives it a fairytale look. The castle and the castle grounds are not freely accessible, but can be rented for meetings and parties.

Castle from the 16th century is located in the village center of Boekhoute. Hof Ter Leyen stands out with its white facades and brick-red roofs. The domain, located in a green oasis, is not open to the public. Enjoy on the street side.

On the Elderschans you can still see the old trenches. There is a beautiful, large and inhabited mansion on it.