Château de Rixensart

The origins of the Rixensart lordship date back to 1217, when it was first documented. Initially owned by the House of Limal, the estate passed to the Croy family in 1536. A development occurred in 1586 when Charles de Grave married his daughter to Philippe-Hippolyte Spinola, Count of Bruay and Governor of Lille, Douai, and Orchies. It is believed that the castle acquired its current architectural form around this time. In 1715, the estate transitioned from the Countess of Bruay to the Merode family, who have maintained it as private property ever since.