Viconia castle farm

In the tranquility of the captivating polder plain, 10 kilometers from the coast and 20 kilometers from the French border, you will find the beautifully situated castle farm Viconia, also known as Vicogne, a former monastery farm of the Norbertines.

This imposing castle farm can be found on the banks of the Yser in the picturesque polder village of Stuivekenskerke. The first guests stayed here more than 45 years ago on this pearl. For 25 years now, the second generation of the Dekeyne family has been committed to making it more and more pleasant for the guests.

Today this historic building, with a beautiful courtyard, is furnished as a modern and attractive hotel. The comfortable rooms are ideal for those who want to relax in the wide plain where the west wind sometimes playfully predominates. A dream for a gastronomic weekend, a relaxing and enjoyable stay or a sporty midweek package.

The history of the farm goes back to the 12th century, when a sheepfold was built on higher ground between the salt marshes and mud flats of the Yser. In 1161 the cage was taken over by Premonstratensian abbey of Vicogne in France and expanded to 130 hectares. The meadows were later surrounded by dikes and ramparts, making it an important center for sheep farming.

During the Battle of the Yser, the castle was taken by the German occupiers as an outpost in October 1914. The castle was completely destroyed during the war. After the war, it was rebuilt in 1925 under the direction of the architect Camille van Elslande.

After the Second World War, brickworks clay was mined in the zone between the Viconiahoeve and the Yser. Between 1945 and 1979, six shallow clay pits were created. The clay was transported to the Yser in small wagons, after which it was brought by ships to a brickyard in Nieuwpoort. The train tracks on the IJzerdijk still bear witness to this transport. The wetland area has an area of 22 hectares.

Commissioned by Natuur en Bos, a new watchtower was built, centrally located in the Viconia Kleiputten. In the 9.5 meter high tower you have a wide view over the shallow lakes with their meadow birds. The tower consists of a metal construction with cedar wood cladding.

A walking path runs along the reserve and there are two bird hides that offer the opportunity to observe mainly waterfowl.

Willem Vandenameele