A U-shaped farm

This 17th-century building shows us an example of farms organized around an L-shaped or U-shaped open space.
One of the remarkable features of this whole is the relatively compact layout of the volumes in limestone. A stone wall connects the different buildings and blocks the view from the public space. The only access is through an open portico connecting to the axis of the main street.
Over time, the farm has undergone numerous changes. Yet, the language of the former agricultural activities is still readable. The original dwelling is located at the back of the courtyard. The low silhouette is topped by an imposing roof that reaches almost to the ground. A date stone on the recessed top beam of the door indicates the year of construction: 1671. At the end of the 17th century, the house was expanded, preserving a cross window at the rear and two small bays with straight top beams.
A large barn, set back slightly, opens via two gate openings to the courtyard. In the middle of the barn, a recessed barn was added in the 19th century, making the overall shape of the barn more complex. Identifiable by its chimney, a separate bakehouse was built to the left of the access to the farm. It is situated at a distance from the house and the barn to prevent the spread of any potential fire.

Jan Rymenams