# Chateau des Amerois

- **Country:** Belgium
- **Location Text:** Bouillon

The Château des Amerois is a striking 19th-century residence located deep within the Ardennes forest in Wallonia, Belgium, situated south-east of the town of Bouillon. Constructed between 1874 and 1877, this grand estate was built in the Gothic Revival architectural style, often described as neo-Gothic. It was commissioned by Prince Philippe, Count of Flanders, who was the brother of King Leopold II of Belgium. The current structure replaced an earlier manor house on the same site that was tragically destroyed by a fire in 1873. To realize his vision for a replacement home, the Prince enlisted the renowned architect Gustave Saintenoy to design the new château, ensuring it reflected the romantic aesthetic popular among European royalty during that era.

Historically, the domain holds significance due to its association with the Belgian royal family and its evolution from a simple manor to a princely seat. The land was originally purchased in 1849 by the Count of Mesniel before passing to the Marquess of Assche in 1859. In 1868, Prince Philippe acquired the property for one million Belgian francs. Beyond the main building, the estate featured extensive grounds with redwood trees, a long bower, thousands of plant species housed in greenhouses, and sumptuous stables. The interior chapel was particularly notable, adorned with polychrome decorations by the painter Jules Helbig. As an avid hunter, Prince Philippe spent several months each year at the château, utilizing the surrounding forests for his sporting pursuits. Today, the Château des Amerois remains a prominent historical landmark in the region, representing a key example of neo-Gothic architecture and royal heritage in the Ardennes.

![Photo of Chateau des Amerois](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b2/Ch%C3%A2teau_des_Amerois%2C_r%C3%A9sidence_du_comte_de_Flandre.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chateau_des_Amerois (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)