Château de Beurthé

Château de Beurthé, also known as Château de Steinbach, is a historic fortress located in the village of Steinbach within the municipality of Gouvy in southeastern Belgium. Situated beside the small Steinbach river, a tributary of the Ourthe Orientale, the structure sits on foundations and a basement dating back to the 11th century, originally constructed from local schist stone. Although its roots are medieval, the castle's current architectural character is predominantly Austrian in style. This distinct appearance results from a major reconstruction undertaken after a devastating fire in 1750 destroyed much of the original building. The renovation was led by Albert Starck, an Austrian architect active during the period of Austrian rule in the region, who designed the thick schist walls and added wings that define the estate today.

The castle holds deep historical significance as the ancestral seat of the Steinbach dynasty, who ruled the area from the 15th century until the late 18th century. Over centuries, the family expanded their influence through strategic marriages, acquiring titles and lands across the region. During the Spanish reign, Lord Martin I de Steinbach purchased judicial rights from King Philip IV, granting him authority over life and death, evidenced by a gallows marked on 1777 maps. The family's wealth was later bolstered in the 19th century by a paper mill in Malmedy, which eventually evolved into a famous photographic film brand, allowing them to maintain the estate and build other notable villas.

Throughout the 20th century, the castle witnessed dramatic events, particularly serving as a temporary headquarters for Léon Degrelle and functioning as a field hospital for both German and American forces during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. The property remained in the hands of the Steinbach descendants for generations until it was sold in 2014. Currently, the castle serves as a private second residence for its new owners. Despite the passage of time and changes in ownership, the estate remains a testament to the region's complex noble history and architectural evolution.