Dog kennel Poeke castle

On the estate, a little further away from the main building and often partly hidden in the greenery, there is a small brick outbuilding that is popularly known as the dog kennel or hunter's lodge .

In the days when the castle was still inhabited by noble families, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries, it was common to keep dogs for hunting — especially hunting dogs such as pointers or retrievers. Since the estate included extensive forests and fields, this was an ideal place for hunting small game.

The outbuilding would have served as a kennel or stable for these dogs: with a simple, functional layout, low windows, and possibly separate compartments inside. Sometimes it is also said that it was a place where hunting equipment was kept , or where the hunters could prepare themselves.

Although the building is mostly empty or derelict today, there is still a bit of mystery surrounding it. Some local stories even link it to more sinister things — like noises being heard at night , or dogs becoming restless when they came near the site.

Willem Vandenameele