Kasteel Diepensteyn

Londerzeel, Belgium

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Kasteel Diepensteyn, located in Londerzeel, Belgium, is a historic moated castle dating back to the 13th century. Originally built around 1290 by Daneel I van Boechout, the castle served as a fortified stronghold on marshland near a brook marking territorial borders.

Over the centuries, it evolved from a military fortress into a Renaissance pleasure house in the early 16th century. The castle reached its peak in the 17th century under the stewardship of the Micault and Maldeghem families, who added architectural features like a gallery with Venetian arches, a chapel, a gatehouse, coach house, and horse stalls. The site lost military importance and fell into decline by the late 18th century, with several parts demolished or repurposed.

After falling into ruin, it was restored in the 1990s, including rebuilding on original foundations and garden restoration, and now houses the headquarters of Diepensteyn NV. The estate also includes a stud farm promoting Belgian draught horses, preserving both cultural and living heritage.