Hex Castle
Heks Castle, also known by its French name Hex Castle, is a historic château located in the village of Heks within the municipality of Heers in the province of Limburg, Belgium. Constructed during the 1770s, the residence was designed by the renowned Liège architect Etienne Fayen for François-Charles de Velbrück, who served as the Prince-Bishop of Liège. A noted humanist and nature enthusiast, the Prince-Bishop selected this scenic spot in the Haspengouw region specifically to create a country retreat surrounded by elaborate gardens. The original landscape design was quite progressive for its time, featuring a Chinese garden, a kitchen garden, and one of the first landscaped parks on the European mainland, which drew inspiration from the English landscaping style pioneered by Capability Brown. The Prince-Bishop resided here until his death in 1784.
Today, the estate remains in private hands, having been owned by Count Ghislain d'Ursel and his family for three generations. The current owners are dedicated to preserving the property's heritage and have undertaken significant restoration efforts, particularly regarding the gardens. A highlight of the estate is its exceptional rose garden, which houses approximately 250 varieties, including some that date back to the original planting. In 1970, Countess Michel d'Ursel restored and expanded the formal Renaissance garden originally laid out in 1770. This dedication to horticultural excellence was recognized in 2003 when the Garden of Roses received the prestigious Award of Garden Excellence from the World Federation of Rose Societies.
While the castle itself serves as a private residence, the extensive gardens and parkland are accessible to the public on selected weekends throughout the summer months. This limited access allows visitors to experience the historical significance and natural beauty of the grounds without disturbing the private life of the owning family. The site stands as a testament to 18th-century architectural and landscape design in the Flemish Region, blending French château aesthetics with early English-style landscaping. It continues to be a notable tourist attraction in Limburg, celebrated for its well-maintained historical integrity and its world-class collection of roses.
Videos
Details
- Location Text
- Heks