The municipality of Huldenberg (Flemish Brabant) has initiated the procedure to have the former monastery that belonged to the Roman Catholic Order of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – better known locally as Keyhof – recognised as a heritage site. This status should provide this hidden gem with the necessary protection in the future.
The convent, designed by architect Philippe Van Boxmeer, was built in 1909. Its mixture of different styles, Gothic pillars and windows, Tudor arches and terracotta tiles, mean it is a remarkable building. In June last year, the municipality of Huldenberg acquired Keyhof and is currently looking into future opportunities for the entire site.
The building, which only opens its doors to visitors on rare occasions, remains largely unknown to the public at large. The municipality is eager to change this and believes that submitting an application for recognition to the Immovable Heritage Agency will help.
‘The chapel is such a well-kept secret it has never been granted protected heritage status by the Flemish Heritage Agency,’ Huldenberg’s website notes. ‘One thing is certain: the beautiful monastery chapel must be preserved for posterity.’