Discover the magic of a centuries-old estate

The Rich History of Altenbroek

As with many castles and country houses, the earliest history of Altenbroek is shrouded in mystery. The name first appears around the year 1300, but who the original owner was and why the estate was built remain unknown.

Over the centuries, Altenbroek changed owners regularly. Land was bought and sold, buildings were renovated, and wings were added. Around 1775, the north wing was built in brick, the current Bergerie, which at the time served as a sheepfold, something that can still be seen in the façade. The surrounding landscape, which you enjoy today, served for centuries as the setting for aristocratic weddings, but also witnessed turbulent times.

During the French Revolution in 1789, Léonard Schiervel, then owner of Altenbroek, was also in great fear of the guillotine. He left behind two sons: Louis and Henri. Louis later had an impressive career; he even refused his appointment as the first governor of Belgian Limburg, while Henri returned to Altenbroek to take over its management.

Henri's grandson, Albert de Schiervel, was known as a bon vivant, but his turbulent character proved fatal. After a conflict with another aristocrat, he was killed in a duel. With his death, the male line of the Schiervel family also died out, after which the estate passed to his sister. The domain remained family-owned until 1994, after which it was sold to businessman Wim Claessen.

Claessen began developing a hotel-restaurant with 27 rooms in 2009. The renovation was not without obstacles. Legal challenges and financial setbacks followed, and ultimately the curtain fell in 2013.

In 2017, Altenbroek was given a new lease on life under the leadership of David van Brakel, with a clear mission: to restore the historic estate to its former glory. The domain was carefully renovated and equipped with a Burgundian restaurant, stylish rooms, and spacious suites. 

Today, Altenbroek lies in the middle of the picturesque Voer region, on a historic estate of approximately twenty hectares. With its three ponds, the historic mill of Altenbroek, and the surrounding hills, it forms an enchanting whole. It is not without reason that Altenbroek is also called the pearl of the Voer region.