En un regard
Le château en bref
La Garenne Castle stands at no. 14 Parklaan in Itegem, a district of Heist-op-den-Berg, in the middle of an extensive wooded park of some 19 hectares. Its origins lie in hunting: the oldest part served as a hunting lodge for the neighbouring Isschot castle. This first wing, on the left, was built in 1895 in a neo-traditional style, as an inscription attests, and incorporates a staircase tower. During the second quarter of the 20th century, a right-hand wing considerably enlarged the house, and the neo-traditional section was then concealed beneath a render. A complete renovation, accompanied by a further extension, took place in 1983–1984.
The present ensemble is an imposing asymmetrical country house, partly built over cellars, with an approximately U-shaped plan, rendered and painted façades and combined slate roofs. To the south-east, a square tower topped with a pavilion-style spire marks the staircase. The monumental entrance is emphasised by a perron and a balcony; round-arched niches decorated with stucco garlands enliven the façades, and a coat of arms adorns the rear façade. The interior, of eclectic character, largely retains its marble fireplaces, panelling and stucco ceilings. In the park remain an ice house, indicated towards the Heibergstraat by a small pavilion in rough timber, and a pond to the north-west crossed by its original iron footbridge. The property has been listed in the Flemish inventory of architectural heritage since 29 March 2019.