Heritage real estate · Heuvelland, Belgium
Conserving a landmark on the Kemmelberg.
The Belvedere Domain sits on the summit of the Kemmelberg, a landmark steeped in the history of both world wars. The domain was acquired in 2012 by Belvedere BV, the family company I own together with my dad, Noel Kindt. Since then we have run a long-term programme of conservation and stabilisation focused on preserving the architectural and historical character of the site.
History & background
DomainBelvedere, Kemmelberg, Heuvelland.
We bought Belvedere in 2014 and did most of the renovations ourselves for 2 years.
This originally-wooden tower was built in 1888. It was one of the first tourist attractions within what is now the municipality of Heuvelland. The fact that a bear lived in a cage at the bottom of the tower was of course viewed at the time as an extra asset.
The scenic variety on and around the Kemmelberg is sufficiently large within a relatively short distance. The panoramas which can be witnessed along the way can best be admired whilst walking.
The First World War destroyed the first tower. As an observation point for the British, the tower was a thorn in the eye of the German attackers. In the spring of 1918, during the battle of the Kemmelberg, he received the final blow. Belvedere has been a protected monument since 2004.
From the Belvédère lookout tower at the top of the Kemmelberg one can enjoy a fantastic panorama and agree that the Kemmelberg and its surroundings are extremely suitable for hiking. Eight picturesque villages – Dranouter, Kemmel, Loker, Nieuwkerke, De Klijte, Westouter, Wijtschate, and Wulvergem – were merged in 1977 to form the municipality of Heuvelland. Even on foot they are worth a voyage of discovery.
