Manoir de Lébioles

Manoir de Lébioles is a distinguished castle-like manor house located in Creppe, a quarter of Spa in the Liège Province of Belgium. Constructed between 1905 and 1910, the residence was originally commissioned by the diplomat Georges Neyt. Although Neyt died shortly after its completion, the property quickly gained renown for its grandeur, earning the nickname the small Versailles of the Ardennes. The building reflects an opulent architectural style suitable for high-society gatherings, featuring historic floors, original staircases, and large windows that have been carefully preserved through extensive renovations.

The manor holds significant historical importance due to its role in early twentieth-century European politics and post-war diplomacy. Most notably, it served as the location where Wilhelm II, the German Emperor, signed his abdication in 1918, marking the end of his reign. Decades later, in 1945, the site was utilized by the Allies to detain high-ranking prisoners of war, including former German Vice-Chancellor Franz von Papen and Hungarian Admiral Miklós Horthy. Throughout the mid-twentieth century, the Dresse family, who acquired the estate in 1912, expanded the grounds and hosted theatrical performances, hunts, and concerts.

After changing ownership several times in the late twentieth century, the property suffered a period of deterioration before undergoing a comprehensive restoration. This major project involved rebuilding chimneys, reinstalling staircases, exposing historic flooring, and reglazing the original 120-year-old windows. Today, Manoir de Lébioles has been successfully repurposed as a luxury hotel, offering guests a stay within a meticulously maintained landmark that blends its rich imperial history with modern hospitality standards.