Estriverie Castle

Estriverie Castle, locally known as Château de l'Estriverie or Lestriverie, lies north of the village of Bois-de-Lessines, in the province of Hainaut in the Wallonia region in Belgium.

In the late 13th century, the area was known as 'the Debated Lands' because it was fought over by the counties of Flanders and Hainaut. This specific site was declared a fief by the Counts of Hainaut in 1324 and was granted to Gérard de Lestruve. The castle's current name is a corruption of his family name.

At some point during the 14th century or the first half of the 15th century, a fortification was built by either Gérard or one of the subsequent owners of the fief, such as the Hoste d'Ecaussines or Despretz de Quiévrain families. In 1454, a document described that fortification as a fortified house with a keep on a moated island.

In 1483, ownership of Estriverie Castle transferred to the De Cottrel family. They owned the castle into the 17th century, rebuilding and expanding it during the 16th century and again in 1630. Later, it was owned by several other individuals.

In 1756, the castle was acquired by the d'Yve de Bavay family. They remodeled the castle during the 19th century, giving it its current appearance. Today, it remains a residence of the d'Yve de Bavay family.

The castle has an L-shaped layout featuring two round corner towers. Its U-shaped courtyard was added later, probably in the 19th century.

Estriverie Castle is now a private residence and not open to the public. However, it is easily visible from a road that passes by it.

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