Photos courtesy of Château de Jannée
Located not far off the strategic Brussels-Luxembourg-Trier route, there has always been a fortified structure on this site since the Middle Ages. Up until the 17th century, attacks were frequent, and the château served to protect people and their property—in no smart part thanks to a surrounding moat.
In 1630, Thomas Woot Trixhe transformed the castle, adding a mansard roof and two short wings, while maintaining the moat. Unlike the fate of many castles in the 17th century, the Château de Jannée remained relatively untouched by the ravages of warfare. In the 19th century Baronnes de Woot de Jannée enlarged the castle by adding towers on each corner.
During World War I the castle served as a German hospital and during World War II as an English hospital. A fire nearly destroyed the property in 1944 during hostilities. Its occupants were arrested with many of them eventually dying in German camps.
Pamela’s Perspective
The Château de Jannée is open as a bed and breakfast, so don't expect a full-service hotel. If you're part of a large group, ask about staying in the dependance—one of the old outbuildings just outside the castle—which can accommodate 6-8 people.
Château de Jannée
A 17th-century castle
Contact
5590 Pessoux-Ciney
Tel: ++32 (0) 83 68 82 07
Hotel website
Fast facts
5 rooms
Double rooms: 85–140 euros
Rates include breakfast
Open: all year
Getting there
Ciney is about 33 km southeast of Namur. Take the N4 southeast and exit onto N938.
What to do
Nearby: deer park; tennis; swimming pool; horseback riding; golf; canoeing; Spontin Castle; Vêves Castle
If traveling through the Ardennes, step back in time by sleeping in this charming and low key castle hotel. As you drive through the surrounding deer park, you’ll soon spot four perfect and symmetrical towers through the woods.
Walk beneath an arch to enter—there’s no reception—where you’ll be warmly greeted by one of the DeWoot family.
Individually decorated guest rooms are furnished in a country style with floral accents. Bathrooms can be en suite or shared. A large staircase leads upstairs to a suite on the first floor, which includes a small lounge and a hallway leading to the bedroom. Views are of the surrounding park. Double rooms are found on the second floor.
Breakfast (coffee, breads, rolls)will be brought to your room in the morning!
By all means, take the time to wander about the grounds. It’s a beautiful walk through an English park with a pond, forest, and meadows, home to peacocks, geese, swans, and deer.
Something special
Lovely rural surroundings