Kasteel Den Dool

Kasteel Den Dool, located in Helchteren, Houthalen-Helchteren, Belgium, is a castle with roots extending back to 1282 and significant medieval significance. Originally serving as a summer residence for the abbots of Sint-Truiden Abbey, the 16th-century structure featured towers, broad moats, and fortified characteristics. Between 1780 and 1784, it was redesigned as an elegant U-shaped classical country house. Since 1990, following restoration by brewer's daughter Mieke Desplenter, the castle has hosted a brewery producing Ter Dolen abbey beer, officially recognized as Belgian Abbey Beer in April 2008. The castle operates as a working brewery estate, combining heritage preservation with artisanal beer production. The surrounding area has been recognized as a protected village view since 1982.