De Heerlijckyt Van Elsmeren

Geetbets, Belgium, Belgium

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De Heerlijckyt van Elsmeren is a historic estate and former manor in the village of Geetbets, on the border between the provinces of Flemish Brabant and Limburg in Belgium.

First mentioned in 1299 as a fortified stronghold along the river Gete, it originally formed part of the defence line of the Duchy of Brabant against the County of Loon and consisted of a central tower (donjon) and associated buildings. The feudal “Hof van Elsmeren” was demolished in 1667 and replaced by the present castle complex, which was built in brick with decorative elements in a transitional style between baroque and rococo, and the year 1667 is still visible on a weather vane on one of the small towers.

The estate remained in the hands of the de Rijckman de Betz family for several centuries, with major restoration and beautification work in the 1920s and 1990s that also incorporated some material from the partially demolished nearby castle of the Lords of Hoen at Rummen, giving the complex its current appearance. In 2004 the property was transferred to new owners who converted it into a seminar, meeting, and event centre, while preserving its historic character and carefully landscaped surroundings of parkland, ponds, and rare trees.

Today De Heerlijckyt van Elsmeren functions as a venue for training, conferences, weddings, and inspirational gatherings, offering around 11 adaptable rooms and spaces, over 33 guest rooms for up to 65 overnight visitors, and on-site facilities such as catering, tea and coffee service, and recreational areas, all set within a protected landscape monument that enhances its quiet, restorative atmosphere.