Groot Moerhof

Over the centuries, this, relatively large homestead, remained the property of the Dunes Abbey, when in 1795, as a result of the secularization of the Ecclesiastical goods by the French revolution, it was sold as a 'black good' and ended up in private hands.
At the end of the 18th century, as part of the reclamation works, the then concessionaire built a piece of dike, with a moat on both sides. The dike ran in a straight line that connects through the chimney of the high room of the Groot Moerhof, with the church tower of Hondschoote. That line that actually also forms the existing land border and was recognized as a real land border in Dutch times. For example, the border between France and Belgium still runs through the Grote Moerhof. Literally, because the separation between the two countries already runs across the yard, right through the dog house, enters the house through the front door and goes out again through the back door.
This location provided the various owners with numerous facilities. The house has 2 cellars. The French cellar was used to store the wine. But if they wanted a piece of cheese, I crossed the same corridor and with the bottle of wine in hand, across the 'border' to the other cellar. Because there on Belgian territory the balls of cheese were waiting.
Without a doubt, the biggest advantages attached to the Grote Moerhof were the inexhaustible possibilities in the smuggling area.
A time-honored easement stipulated that the doors of the house should never be locked, so that the Arm Of The Law could always enter freely to expose any snoodaards. Rumors tell us that the Customs officers were always received very warmly. In the 'best spot' went a dense cloud of smoke from the thick cigars, it smelled of spirits that were of course all offered by the resident, in exchange for squeezing the eyes of the uniformed attendees.

Windekind