Kasteel van gravin Jeanne de Merodeor Nieuw
Located in the municipality of Westerlo, Belgium, the site known locally as Nieuw Kasteel refers specifically to the Castle of Countess Jeanne de Mérode. Constructed between 1909 and 1912, this residence was designed by architect Pierre Langerock in a distinctive Neo-Gothic style. The building was commissioned by Countess Jeanne de Mérode, an unmarried noblewoman born in 1853 who dedicated her life to religious devotion and extensive charitable works. Although she initially planned to relocate to Grimbergen following the death of her brother in 1908, the local population successfully persuaded her to remain in the region due to her immense popularity and benevolence toward the community.
The architectural design of the castle draws significant inspiration from the early sixteenth-century Gothic wing of the nearby Tongerlo Abbey. To achieve a grand, aristocratic appearance, the structure features four small towers, one large tower, and a unique bell tower shaped like a crown. This construction project served a dual purpose: it provided a private residence for the Countess and generated essential employment for the people of Westerlo, particularly young women whom she employed in a local carpet factory she founded. Her philanthropy extended beyond the castle, as she also financed churches, schools, monasteries, and homes for the elderly in the surrounding areas.
While often confused with the older family seat known as Oud Kasteel, which dates back to the late fourteenth century, the Nieuw Kasteel stands as a testament to the social impact of the Merode family in the early twentieth century. The estate represents a blend of historical reverence, seen in its architectural references to medieval abbeys, and modern social responsibility through its role in local economic support. Today, the castle remains a prominent landmark in Westerlo, symbolizing the legacy of Countess Jeanne and her enduring commitment to the welfare of her tenants and neighbors.
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- Westerlo