The castle was listed on the historical register in 1943, which called for the need to find a permanent solution. The Royal Association for Historical Estates – a non profit-making association – offered to undertake this major task. The last private owner, Robert-Christian, Earl of Ribaucourt, donated the castle – that was almost in ruins in the meantime – to the association in 1953. The association immediately carried out the most urgent repair work. As of 1962, the new President of the association, Knight Joseph de Ghellinck of Elseghem, launched some major restoration work and in 1967 the castle could finally be opened to the public. Joseph De Ghellinck had the ground floor completely restored and adorned with many pieces of furniture, tapestries and paintings from the 17th century in order to host visitors.
During his term of office at the top of the association, Mr. and Mrs. Claude D’Allemagne donated the castle’s famous collection of European silverware. The 446 pieces of silverware are now on display in a room on the first floor especially designed to this end. The couple lived in the apartment of the castle until the death of Claude in 1986.
Prince Alexandre of Merode then President of the non profit-making association Demeures historiques appointed yours truly and his wife in 1987 to administer the castle and live in the premises. The old entrance building, the hallway, the chapel, the loggia, the roof, the inner courtyard, the walls, the paddocks, the north wing, the pavilions, etc. were renovated in depth. In 1996, the prestigious Europa Nostra Award was attributed to the castle.
Today’s President of the Association, Baron Cardon de Lichtbuer, fully supports the present managers of the castle in their efforts to bring the estate back to being a jewel in the crown of the Flemish architectural heritage.
Paul de PESSEMIER’s GRAVENDRIES, esq.
Administrator of the Royal Association of Historic Estates & Gardens of Belgium, and of the Castle of Laarne.