The castle of Attre is an 18th century palace located on the east bank of the Dendre. In typical classical style, it is one of the few Belgian castles that have preserved original period furniture. The castle is classified as an important site for the cultural heritage of Wallonia.
Château d'Attre History
The castle was built in 1752 by Count François-Philippe Franeau’Hyon, Count of Gomegnies, on the remains of another older one. The Louis XV-style interiors were designed by his son, François-Ferdinand, chamberlain at the court of Emperor Joseph II of Austria.
The entire furniture would not be completed until about 30 years later.
The governess of the Netherlands, Archduchess Marie-Christine (sister of Joseph II) and her husband, Albert of Saxony, were regular visitors to the castle for hunting in the surrounding woods. An artificial rock, with a pavilion on top, is erected in the park to serve as an observation point.
In 1814 the castle passed by marriage to the Val de Beaulieu family. Now the castle is owned by the Meester family of Heyndonck.