Notre histoire • La Vaulx-Renard

The history of La Vaulx-Renard

Between 1343 and 1778, the history of La Vaulx-Renard is deeply rooted in the region. In 1343, Renard, a member of the noble family of Waimes and uncle of the builder of Reinhardstein Castle, settled in the area. As hereditary mayor of the Roanne district, he laid the foundation of the initial estate. At that time, he abandoned the surname "de Waimes" in favor of "del Vaulx" or "de La Vaulx". The names Renard, borne by an uncle and his nephew, would give their name to the two constructions, La Vaulx and Reinhardstein. In the sixteenth century, the name "Vaulx-Renard" appeared in memory of the founder of the fief.

From 1343 to 1762, the domain, then under the authority of the Abbey of Stavelot, was passed down from generation to generation. In 1760, Antoine-Joseph inherited the estate, becoming the last of his line. However, the financial situation was disastrous. In 1761, Antoine-Joseph ceded the estate to the Chapter of Stavelot, while retaining the title of hereditary mayor and receiving an annual life annuity. His enjoyment was short-lived, as he died the following year, at the age of 45.

Protests arose over the transfer of the estate to "dead hands", the monks and serfs, in contradiction with ancient laws. Nevertheless, the estate was taken over by the Benedictine monks and became a popular retreat, as well as a renowned hunting ground.

From 1779 to 1913

From 1778 onwards, the monks began the construction of the current building: a large quadrilateral consisting of three sides of agricultural buildings, while the castle itself forms the fourth side. Two wrought iron weathervanes – one authentic and one replica – adorned with the wolf, emblem of the Stavelot Abbey, mark the completion date of the works in 1779. The French Revolution brought an end to the activities of the monks as well as to those of all religious congregations, signifying the end of the Ancien Régime.

The castle and the farm were on the verge of being sold as "national property". However, with the arrival of the French period and the reinstatement of the religious, claims regarding the monks' property rights over La Vaulx-Renard emerged. This time, the claims were taken into consideration, and the entire fiefdom now belonged to several collateral heirs.

From 1793 onwards, the farm was operated by the farmer Lambert Delvenne, before being repurchased by the heirs. Clément Simonis from Verviers then became the owner of La Vaulx-Renard, which he sold in 1835 to Lambert Grisard. Upon his death in 1862, Lambert Grisard bequeathed everything to his nephew Edouard Wauters. His son, also named Edouard, inherited it, but died prematurely. In 1909, the inheritance passed to his sister, Marie de Terwangne née Wauters, and then in 1913, to the spouses Charles de Harenne and Marcienne Colin-Wauters, the adopted daughter of Marie de Terwangne, and the great-grandparents of Damien Goffinet.

Until the time of the "Wauters", there was no bridge and the river was crossed with the help of a ferryman. According to legends, a lord known for his bad temper, among other acts of violence, allegedly killed the ferryman for his lack of diligence...

From 1955 today

In 1955-1956, the castle was completely restored to serve as a family residence. In 2022, a project for guest rooms emerged. Renovation works began under the supervision of Damien Goffinet and his wife Sophie Bronne. And it is they who welcome you today to this place filled with history and stories.

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