Halle (Eurotoday): Geert De Poorter has restored the 19th-century Villa Servais in Halle, Belgium, transforming it into a bed and breakfast and concert hall. Inspired by its history, he is building a garden seating area using blue limestone from the demolished local station, enhancing cultural events while honoring cellist François Servais’s legacy.
The villa of the legendary 19th-century cellist François Servais in Halle, Belgium, has been restored and is now owned by Geert De Poorter. It serves as a bed and breakfast, concert hall, and exhibition space, honoring Servais’s legacy while providing a venue for cultural events. De Poorter is also adding seating in the villa’s garden, creating a new space for outdoor concerts and events during the summer months.
How is Geert De Poorter reviving François Servais’s legacy at Villa Servais?
The idea for the new seating area in the garden of the villa is inspired by its historical significance. When François Servais lived there, the garden overlooked the local station, which was demolished in 1993. Geert De Poorter managed to get about 20 pallets of blue limestone from the original station building. These historic stones are being repurposed to create the seating tribune, preserving a piece of the past while enhancing the cultural atmosphere of the villa’s garden. This project blends history with modern use, creating a unique space where music and heritage come together.
It has been said that building the grandstand costs money, so Geert will sell champagne with a label of the Halle musician Servais and his favorite instrument, the cello. He also asked the community to help restore the villa. Many older people in Halle miss their old station. Now, the stones from that 19th-century building are being reused, making the grandstand special. Geert said the stones were in a waste container for years, then moved to Edingen, and now they are in the villa’s garden.
Comments
One response to “Villa Servais: Geert De Poorter Brings 19th-Century Cellist’s Legacy Back to Life in Halle”
-
Reviving a 19th-century cellist’s legacy with a side of recycled limestone? Talk about a sustainable twist! Next, they’ll be serving tea from the last century and calling it avant-garde. 😏🍵
Last News
EU AI Act Enters Key Phase
Europe’s AI Rulebook Enters Enforcement Phase on 2 August
The EU’s AI Act takes effect on Sunday, bringing key rules for high-risk systems, transparency, and accountability into force. This marks a shift for businesses and authorities: compliance must be practically demonstrated, while regulators are scrutinized for consistent enforcement across 27 states.
Effective since August 2024, the regula
EU Iran Sanctions 2026 Target Iranian Judges and Key Cyber Group Leader
Brussels, July 24 Eurotoday Newspaper — EU Iran sanctions 2026 have expanded after the European Union imposed new restrictive measures on five Iranian judges and a senior figure linked to the Ashiyane cyber group. The sanctions were announced by the Council of the European Union and cite alleged human rights violations and cyber-related activities. The measures include asset freezes, travel bans
Ceuta Crisis: 22 EU Leaders Challenge Spain’s Sánchez on Migration Policy
Mélenchon Challenges the Franco-German Partnership
Russia Anticipates New Trump Proposals Amid Focus on US-Russia Relations
Moscow, July 24 Eurotoday Newspaper — US Russia relations remained under international scrutiny after the Kremlin confirmed it would wait for new proposals from U.S. President Donald Trump before responding to any renewed effort to end the war in Ukraine. Russian officials said no formal diplomatic initiative has been received and stressed that any future peace framework would be evaluated only
Northern Ireland Fails to Meet Budget Crisis Deadline
Europe’s Deadline for Repair Rights Arrives
New EU rules promise easier fixes for consumers, but uneven national rollout may decide how quickly they are felt
On Friday, 31 July 2026, the European Union’s right-to-repair rules become applicable across the bloc, representing a significant shift in consumer protection and circular-economy policy. The directive encourages people to choose repair over replacement, but its effectiveness d
Norris Blocks Hamilton from Hungary Pole; Kimi Antonelli’s Championship Battle Intensifies
Budapest, Hungary, July 25 Eurotoday Newspaper — Kimi Antonelli championship hopes remain firmly intact despite Mercedes missing its first Formula One pole position of the season. Lando Norris secured pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix with a brilliant final qualifying lap, edging Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton by just 0.012 seconds and denying the British driver a record 10th pole at the Hung
Labour Retains Greater Manchester Mayoralty After Second Round Count
Before the election, polls indicated Craig had a strong lead. Reform UK’s challenge weakened as resources were redirected due to Nigel Farage initiating a separate by-election in Clacton to avoid financial scrutiny.
The Greens targeted supportive areas. In Longsight, within the Gorton and Denton constituency, candidate Geraldine Coggins mentioned aiming for a “hat-tric
Leave a Reply