waiting basins and castle d'Elseghem

Don't forget to look back. From this spot, you can best marvel at the domain of Wannegem Castle. The domain was purchased in 1765 by Baron François Baut de Rasmon, a wealthy businessman from Ghent. His grandfather was one of the co-founders of the Ostend Company, which managed to secure a monopoly on trade in Africa and Asia. His son Alphonse built the splendid castle in 1783 that overlooks the landscape today. The castle was owned by the De Ghellinck d'Elseghem family from 1856 until 1996.

As an eminent botanist and plant grower, Mr. Alphonse was instrumental in the establishment of the botanical garden in Ghent and likely also contributed to the creation of his castle park. It rolls from the back door of the castle to beyond the road we just crossed, which connects Wannegem to Lede. From the pools that were in the valley of the Kasteelbeek (Rooigemsebeek), he created this romantic pond. In keeping with the spirit of the time, he provided it with an island featuring a charming Greek temple. Today, the pond serves as a retention basin to protect the area from flooding.

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