Belgium De Blakaart Castle
In 1863, Baron de Coninck de Merckem bought the Blankaart estate. A castle was built on it and a castle park laid out in the English style.
Baron de Coninck de Merckem died in 1895, and his wife inherited his entire estate, including the castle.
Due to its close location to the front line, the castle was destroyed during the First World War to such an extent that only the façade remained standing. In 1922, it was rebuilt in a smaller version.
The castle park was not restored to its original state.
After her death in 1935, the Baroness, who remained childless, left the Blankaart estate to her adopted daughter.
During the Second World War the roof of the castle was destroyed. The conical pinnacles of the two round towers were not restored.
After the death of her husband, the owner had the castle rebuilt and in 1959 she placed it at the disposal of the "Volkshogeschool de Blankaart", an initiative of her sons.
The domain became a nature reserve in 1978.
In 1980, the Flemish government acquired the castle and the surrounding park.
At present, the castle houses a nature association.
Baron de Coninck de Merckem died in 1895, and his wife inherited his entire estate, including the castle.
Due to its close location to the front line, the castle was destroyed during the First World War to such an extent that only the façade remained standing. In 1922, it was rebuilt in a smaller version.
The castle park was not restored to its original state.
After her death in 1935, the Baroness, who remained childless, left the Blankaart estate to her adopted daughter.
During the Second World War the roof of the castle was destroyed. The conical pinnacles of the two round towers were not restored.
After the death of her husband, the owner had the castle rebuilt and in 1959 she placed it at the disposal of the "Volkshogeschool de Blankaart", an initiative of her sons.
The domain became a nature reserve in 1978.
In 1980, the Flemish government acquired the castle and the surrounding park.
At present, the castle houses a nature association.
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