Houthalen-Helchteren, Belgium

The current castle Ter Dolen (De Dool) dates back to the 16th Century, but the estate’s history draws back much farther. Throughout the centuries, the castle had a turbulent history. After the French Revolution, it was sold into private ownership, and at some point, housed a school. By 1977, the castle was uninhabited and started to decay. In 1993, Mieke Desplenter purchased the castle and its estate, and started a renovation project. A year later, the Ter Dolen brewery opened its doors.