Photos courtesy of Château de Hodbomont
Hodbomont began life as a château farm in the 18th century. A series of aristocratic owners added to the property over the years. The counts of Pinto, who were originally from Portugal, took possession in the 18th century and maintained control of the estate until 1937. Fast forward to 2000 when Anke Gerkens and Herbert Wingens bought the property and restored it to its former beautiful charm.
Pamela’s Perspective
The château is a private home with fantastic hosts, so don’t expect a full-service hotel. That said, just let Anke know if you’d like breakfast served in your room. She will also recommend restaurants in the area for lunch or dinner. The owners of the gatehouse in front of the château also serve meals for Hodbomont’s guests at “La Table de Conciergerie.” Reserve in advance.
Château de Hodbomont
An 18th-century château
Contact
Hodbomont
4910 Theux
Tel: ++32 (0) 87 34 1614
Hotel website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
4 rooms and apartments
Doubles: 90–260 euros
Open: all year
Getting there
Hodbomont is about 30 km southeast of Liege. From E25 take Exit 45-Spa for N678 toward Theux. Continue on N678 and after 4 km continue on N62 to Hodbomont.
What to do
Nearby: carriage rides; golf; hiking; bicycling; Spa; Liege
This château hidden away on the edge of a forest makes for a delightful and romantic getaway. Best of all, your hosts, Anke and Herbert, cannot do enough to make sure you’ll enjoy your stay. They’re a lovely couple who also happen to be antique dealers, so you’re in for a treat when you step inside.
Interiors and guest rooms are elegantly furnished with choice antiques in keeping with the château’s atmosphere. Bright and sunny rooms are spacious and unique. You can find high ceilings and wooden floors covered with Oriental carpets. Windows reveal views of the lake and valley. Bathrooms are completely modernized, and one room features a free-standing bathtub.
If you decide you would like to spend more time here, consider one of the apartments that has a full kitchen.
Unlike so many hotels throughout Belgium that serve a tiny continental breakfast for an outrageous price, here the breakfast is rich and varied. Depending on the weather, you can enjoy it in front of a log fire or outside where you can take in views of the beautiful grounds and ancient trees.
Something special
You can rent the château’s historical horse-drawn carriage with a driver who will take you on a two-hour drive in the Ardennes. Enjoy a glass of champagne along the way!