First restoration campaign (2001-2009)
In early 2001, the entire building was meticulously mapped. It soon became apparent that a major restoration was necessary: the roofs and parts of the interior had been severely damaged by years of leaks. The original roofs were covered with artificial slates, which had undergone various repairs using other materials over the years. The facades were originally painted white, later red around 1910, and both the paintwork and the pointing had suffered severely from moisture. Structurally, however, the main building was still in reasonable condition, with the exception of the left tower and the left section, which included the old farmhouse and bakery, parts of which had even collapsed.
In the courtyard stood two buildings, serving as a kitchen and laundry, and a separate brewery, all of which were in poor condition. After consultation with the inspector of the Monuments and Landscapes Department of the Flemish Region, it was decided to demolish these buildings.
In May 2001, the contractor began cleaning the old stables and barns. At the end of that year, the restoration of the roofs and facades began, reusing old materials where possible. Collapsed sections were rebuilt, facades were cleaned, damaged bricks were replaced with old, similar bricks, and all joints were repointed with mortar identical to the original composition. Walls were treated for rising damp, and woodwork around windows, doors, gates, and roofs was replaced where necessary. All attics were treated for fungus and woodworm, slates were replaced with natural slates, and gutters, downspouts, and gallery roofs were replaced with copper. The bridge and entrance gates were also restored, while the courtyard was re-paved with cobblestones, including a small central garden.
The interior of the main building and outbuildings was also restored, preserving as much of the original material as possible. Floors, wainscoting, and the arabesque wallpaper in one of the salons were repaired or replaced where necessary. A new floor of old slate tiles was laid in the gallery, and in the large barn, damaged stones were replaced and repointed. The restoration of the first phase was completed in the spring of 2009. The Vogel family then lived in the west wing of the castle until 2016.