Belgium Jeanne de Merode Castle

The castle of Countess Jeanne de Merode or the "New Castle" in Westerlo was built between 1909-1912 in neo-Gothic style. A more aristocratic style was achieved by adding four small and one large tower, and a bell tower in the shape of a crown. It was designed as the residence of one person: Countess Jeanne de Merode. She stayed there with her old governess and some staff from spring to autumn. In the cold months she lived in Brussels. During the Second World War, the castle was claimed by the German occupiers in 1940 and the countess had to leave the castle and return to the old family castle. After her death in 1944, the Zwartzusters-Augustinesses inherited the castle. With the help of the diocese of Antwerp, they ran a home for elderly priests there. Afterwards it was bought by the municipality of Westerlo and from 1 July 1973 it served as a town hall.
The park around it has kept its original design.

This castle is located 1 kilometre from the "old castle" de Merode in Westerlo.