Presbytery of St. Michael's Parish

Presbytery in eclectic style from 1903 to a design by J. Taeymans, see inscription facing stone. Founded on the site of the former castle of the lords of Weelde, modo Hof ten Bergen which was probably built in the 15th century by the Back family, was destroyed in 1487 by Maximilian of Austria and was probably demolished in the first half of the 16th century; Next to it was the pastoral farm, which probably disappeared in 1904 and was later replaced by a new house. The still existing double moat, popularly called "De Burcht" of which some parts were filled in after 1850, reminds of the former castle. The former rectory on the Geeneinde, then used as a gendarmerie, was later demolished.
Detached, L-shaped double house of four bays and two storeys under cantilevered complex roofing with dormers (ridge directions perpendicular to, parallel to the street, slates), plus on both sides with lower extensions under half tent roof. Interplay of brick frame and gabled gables enlivened with wall bands of yellow and black brickwork, sparse fields and some ornamental elements of bluestone, including a pointed arch with statue of Our Lady with Child. Marking wooden consoles and wind boards. Segmental arch windows and doors, first mentioned with shutters on the ground floor and leak thresholds of bluestone; Mirror-arched main entrance with landing, awning and iron bell.
Surrounding tree-lined garden and moats, the latter bordered with iron fences; access bridge with ditto fences between brick pillars.
The floor plan shows a central, staggered corridor with perpendicular staircase, a small consultation room on the left and a dining room on the left, a large room on the street on the right and a kitchen on the garden; In the extensions there is on the one hand a storage room for wood and coal and a stable, on the other hand the sanitary facilities and the Moos with built-in oven. On the upper floor there are two bedrooms, annex study room as well as two guest rooms.

Source: https://inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be/erfgoedobjecten/75698

Rudy Wuyts