Restoration of the Boerenhof barn at cruising speed
In Heist, the restoration work of the barn of the Boerenhof is at cruising speed. The building was listed as a monument in 1971. Matthias Diependaele, Flemish Minister for Immovable Heritage, allocated 216,226 euros in May 2020 for the restoration of 't Boerenhof farm in Knokke-Heist. With the renovation of 't Boerenhof, the owner, the Flemish government, the municipal council and the Heyst Leeft local history circle ensure that an important historical site for Heist will also remain vibrant in the future.
The restored barn can be used as an extension or support for the existing trade and catering establishments on the site.
Oldest building in Heist
The historic farmhouse 't Boerenhof in Heist probably dates from the first half of the 18th century, making it the oldest building in Heist. The farm goes back to a 12th century tithe barn of the Sint-Bertijns abbey of Sint-Omaars. The place is very important for the history of Heist because the first residents of the region were located here in the so-called hamlet of Coudekercke. Next to it was the old (first) church with the cemetery around it. Only the presbytery has defied time. Archaeological research is therefore planned in the barn at the start of the restoration work.
After many years of vacancy, the valuable mountain shed is now being restored shell. The brick walls and the impressive roof truss are stabilized. Roof insulation will be installed and the roof of tiles and thatch will be renewed. Some existing gate openings will be fitted with windows, but the gates will be retained. The barn is also completely underpinned.
Building demolished
The barn used to serve as a restaurant and party room and has an extension at the rear. This extension will be demolished and rebuilt only to a limited extent. In this way, sufficient daylight can still remain in the fairly closed construction without providing extra openings. After the restoration of the storage shed, it will be repurposed, possibly in relation to the trade and catering activities on the rest of the site.
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