The historic Kasteel van Snellegem, a landmark in West Flanders, is set for a new chapter as the Belgian real estate group ERA and its parent company Alfabet take ownership. Known for its rich past as the base of international antiques dealer Paul De Grande, this 1,050 square meter castle has captured local interest since it was put up for sale in 2021.
- Kasteel van Snellegem verkocht na vijftig jaar
- ERA en Alfabet kopen en renoveren kasteel
- Renovatie start september, oppervlakte 1.050 m²
- Publiekstoegang en kunstbehoud blijven prioriteit
- Evenementen zoals babyborrels en communies gepland
- Samenwerking met gemeente en jonge kunstenaars
After nearly two years of vacancy, the castle, originally listed for 2.5 million euros, was acquired in 2025-07-16 16:10:00 for 1.8 million euros. ERA plans to renovate the site and transform it into a hub for their West Flanders offices, while maintaining public access and preserving its cultural heritage. What does this mean for the community, and how will the castle’s legacy continue?
Could this move signal a new model for preserving heritage sites in Belgium? ERA’s vision balances commercial use with community engagement, ensuring the castle remains a vibrant cultural landmark. Key points include:
- Renovations to house ERA’s supporting services for West Flanders offices
- Plans to keep the 25,000 m² estate accessible to the public
- Maintaining the castle as a cultural hub by involving local artists
- Hosting private events like baby showers and communions in parts of the castle
As ERA moves forward with renovations, will this inspire other heritage properties to adopt similar mixed-use approaches? Residents and visitors alike can look forward to a renewed Kasteel van Snellegem that honors its past while embracing future possibilities.