Marcel Proust
Located in Lillois-Witterzée, in the heart of Walloon Brabant, La Rivelaine is part of the region’s rich agricultural and spiritual history. Its origins date back to the 13ᵗʰ century, when it was first mentioned as Vivarium de la Ruelaine (1256), later La Riveleine (1548). These ancient names bear witness to a long human presence closely tied to the land and water — in a valley once marshy and later made fertile.
Over the centuries, the property evolved into a typical Brabant quadrangular farmstead, a hallmark of the region’s rural landscape. The ensemble of buildings — barns, stables, main house and outbuildings — encloses a spacious cobbled courtyard. Built in brick and local stone, they embody the sturdiness and simplicity characteristic of Brabant’s traditional rural architecture.
Well into the 20ᵗʰ century, La Rivelaine was run as a large mixed farm for crops and livestock. It played an active role in the economic life of Lillois-Witterzée, and traces of its fields and orchards still shape the landscape today.
From 1975 to 2025, Count Bernard de Renesse and his family were the estate’s owners and residents. Under his guidance, the property underwent a gradual restoration, which carefully preserved its architectural authenticity while enhancing its natural surroundings.
A landscape architect by profession, Bernard envisioned La Rivelaine as an oasis of harmony between architecture, nature, and the people it welcomes. The former farm buildings regained their dignity, today housing spaces for reflection, creation, and dialogue.
The work he carried out saved the site from ruin: interior refurbishments, exterior restorations, and a refined landscape design all reveal a thoughtful craftsmanship and meticulous care. The process brought to light the estate’s intrinsic qualities, giving it a new life after its agricultural activity had come to an end.
Just as nature develops organically, the arrival of the members of Saint Michael's Fellowship at La Rivelaine in 2023 became part of the continuity of a long history shaped by patience and care for the estate. Both unexpected and prayed for, this meeting between Rivelaine’s owner and the Fellowship quickly proved to be a natural convergence — a shared dedication to beauty, harmony, and the transmission of common values.
From this convergence emerged a shared responsibility: to continuethe work of maintaining, enhancing, and opening up the estate while preserving respect for its spirit.
And so the La Rivelaine Foundation was established at the end of 2024, to ensure the site’s long-term preservation and to support its development according to a vision that is at once cultural, spiritual, and environmental.
The Foundation’s mission is to ensure the continuity of the project while supporting the creation of new spaces for welcome and exchange, adapted to the current needs of visitors and groups.
In this context, several architectural projects are under study. These are aimed at renovating existing buildings and constructing new spaces for retreats, workshops, and extended stays. To bring these projects to life, the Foundation seeks the support of friends, partners, and patrons, enabling La Rivelaine to continue evolving in fidelity to its original spirit.
Today, La Rivelaine unfolds as a living heritage, a place of inspiration and transmission, where the dialogue between humans, nature, and culture continues to flourish in a spirit of harmony and serenity.
To sustain this vision and ensure its future, La Rivelaine relies on the generosity of those who believe in its mission — through financial contributions, volunteer help, professional expertise, or other forms of support.
It invites everyone to cross its threshold — to discover, participate, or simply be inspired by the peace and beauty of the place.
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