Castle Farm Viconia

The history of the farmhouse dates back to the 12th century when a sheepfold was built on higher grounds between the salinas and mudflats of the IJzer. In 1161, the fold was taken over by the Norbertine abbey of Vicogne in France and expanded to 130 hectares. The meadows were later surrounded by dikes and embankments which made it an important center for sheep farming.

18th century[edit | edit source]

The area fell into decline during the religious wars of the 16th and 17th centuries. In the 18th century, there was a revival that lasted until 1794 when all church properties became state-owned and were publicly sold. At that time, the entirety of sold parts consisted of: a monastery, a chapel, a steward's house, a farmhouse with barns, a blacksmith's shop, a cartwright's workshop, living houses for the staff, a windmill, sheep and horse stables, a sawmill, lumber warehouses, birdcages, and small livestock barns, totaling 219 hectares.

The estate primarily came into the hands of the families De Smet and De Grave, and around 1900 the area was subdivided. The castle and the farmhouse then became the property of the Vernier-Valentin family from Roubaix. De Grave rented the estate at that time. He was also the mayor of the municipality and had the new parish church built near the estate.

World War I[edit | edit source]

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

Currently[(since) when?] it is a holiday hotel.

SOURCE: Viconia Kasteelhoeve - Wikipedia

Joris Broché