Cleydael Castle
Cleydael Castle is located in Aartselaar in the province of Antwerp, Belgium. The medieval, moated castle was built on an islet in the Struisbeek in the 14thcentury. The castle is square in design with four wings and a central courtyard. It has four corner towers that vary in shape and carry names of Fox tower, Cat tower, Owl tower, and Chapel tower. The tower walls are over a meter thick, and the Chapel tower has a star vault ceiling. Although the foundation of the castle was built in the 14thcentury, much of the castle dates from the 16thand 17thcenturies and was built of Brabant brick and sandstone. The courtyard is shaped as a trapezoid and was at one time surrounded by canals. The property boasts a gamekeeper house. The square watchtower houses the barns, stables, and a brewery. The castle served as the home for the lord of Cleydael until the end of the 18thcentury. After WWI, a ship owner purchased the property with his wife. A golf course was built on the grounds and in 1977, the property was granted protective status. In 2001, the castle was released from business use and was used as a residence again, nevertheless it still operates as a golf club with a restaurant and clubhouse housed in the buildings on the bailey. The castle currently sits on 27 acres and is considered private property. The castle can be rented for parties, while the domain around the castle is used as a golf club. Cleydael Castle is not open to the public.
