La Berlière Castle

La Berlière Castle is a protected heritage site situated in the village of Houtaing within the city of Ath, Belgium. While the date of its original construction remains unknown, the structure has undergone significant transformations, with major rebuilding efforts documented in 1677 and between 1793 and 1835. The castle's current architectural identity reflects a harmonious blend of traditional Belgian and Renaissance styles, heavily influenced by its late eighteenth-century redevelopment. Today, it stands as a neoclassical landmark characterized by symmetrical design elements that extend from the main building into the surrounding gardens, serving as a notable example of the Wallonia region's architectural history.

The historical narrative of the castle includes residency by prominent families who shaped the local community. The Count of Oultremont's family inhabited the estate from 1845 to 1910, playing a pivotal role in developing village infrastructure and providing employment for local residents. Following their tenure, the Motte family owned and occupied the property from 1910 until 1945. After World War II, the site underwent a functional transformation when it was purchased by the Congregation of the Josephite Fathers in 1946. The interior was extensively renovated to accommodate classrooms, boarding rooms, and sports facilities, converting the historic residence into a Catholic boarding school for boys known as Collège de la Berlière.

In 1996, the institution merged with the Institut de la Visitation in Lessines to form Collège Visitation-La Berlière, which currently serves approximately 300 students across both locations. The Houtaing campus focuses on general education, while the Lessines site offers technical qualification courses. Marking a significant shift in its long history, the college began admitting female students in September 2017 to meet growing demand. This evolution from a private aristocratic home to an inclusive educational center ensures the castle remains a vibrant and active part of the community rather than a static monument.