The Hanswijckhoeve
A protected monument at the edge of Mechels Broek now open as a holiday accommodation!
The Hanswijckhoeve outside
Stay in authenticity, tranquility, and nature, where storks weave the past into the present.
The Hanswijckhoeve is nestled on the edge of the breathtaking Mechels Broek, along the river Dijle, amidst lush nature and surrounded by expansive landscapes. Step into a world of charm and authenticity, where the past blends seamlessly with modern luxury.
The farmhouse consists of an imposing tall house and a cozy low house, both exuding a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Inside the Hanswijckhoeve, you are greeted by high ceilings that create a sense of space and light. The beautiful wooden beams adorning the ceiling give the interior a rustic look that perfectly complements the rural surroundings.
A crackling fireplace welcomes you in the living room, making it the ideal place to relax after a day full of adventures. Here, you can settle into comfortable sofas and enjoy the warmth while reading a book or having a cozy chat with your friends.
A unique feature of the Hanswijckhoeve is the spiral staircase that leads you to the upper floor. This charming staircase is a true eye-catcher and adds a touch of romance to the interior.
The farmhouse boasts three tastefully decorated bedrooms, two of which have a king-size bed and a single bed, while the third one has a queen bed and a singe bed, making it a perfect accommodation for families or groups of friends.
The Hanswijckhoeve has two bathrooms, one with a bathtub and shower, and the other with a shower.
With no less than four toilets, there is never a shortage of facilities.
The fully equipped kitchen of the Hanswijckhoeve is fitted with modern appliances and ample space for cooking.
In short, the Hanswijckhoeve is an idyllic place where you are embraced by the charm of the past while enjoying all the modern conveniences. With its spacious interior, comfortable bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen, and cozy fireplace, this is the ideal place for an unforgettable stay.
For nature lovers, the Mechels Broek offers relaxing walks, invigorating bike rides, and silent observation of rare birds.
The proximity to the historic city of Mechelen via the Dijle path offers a world of culture, shopping, museums, and local gastronomy in charming restaurants.
The history of the Hanswijckhoeve
The Hanswijckhoeve is situated on an elevated plot of land in Muizen, near the river Dijle, within the Mechels Broek area.
Originally, the farmhouse was owned by the now disappeared Hanswijck Monastery. The current farmhouse complex is believed to date back to the second half of the 17th century. It consists of a tall house, a low house, and several outbuildings.
During the Second World War, the farmhouse suffered serious damage.
In 1982, the farmhouse was protected as a monument. Shortly after, the complex underwent extensive restoration by the Hanswijckhoeve Foundation, with funding from the King Baudouin Foundation, with the aim of turning it into a nature education center. The history of the farmhouse is extensively described in the book "Monografieen Bouwkundig erfgoed 2 - De Hanswijckhoeve te Muizen-Mechelen"
After 1982, two associations were founded at the Hanswijckhoeve. One is dedicated to the protection of endangered domestic animal species, and the other is focused on promoting the Belgian draft horse. At that time, there were many Belgian draft horses in the meadows surrounding the farmhouse, displaying coats in various colors.
Since August 2023, the Hanswijckhoeve has been available as a holiday accommodation, offering couples and young families the opportunity to experience the tranquility and nature of the Mechels Broek in a historical setting.
One of the managers of the Hanswijckhoeve Foundation, Robert Piessens, still keeps a draft horse at the farmhouse so that he can savor the peace every day when he comes to feed Gloria. Sometimes, he even harnesses Gloria to a little cart to give young children a ride along the majestic driveway, letting them experience the beauty of the surroundings.
