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 Foreign Policy Chaos Sparks Calls for Radical Diplomatic Overhaul
“We should abolish the unanimity principle in the EU in foreign and security policy before the end of the current legislative period to be better capable of acting internationally
Germany aims to amend contentious military registration law
Les coulisses de la victoire de Lille pour décrocher l’Autorité douanière européenne
2026 Hungary Election Highlights Semjén’s Religious Nationalism Initiative
EU Cautions Trump Against ‘Illegal’ Bombing of Iran’s Power Stations
“Praise be to Allah,” the president added. Experts and lawyers caution that international law forbids deliberately targeting c
UN Lawyer Arielle Silverstein Faces Scrutiny for Anti-Religious Online Posts
What’s at Stake in the May Elections?
Sir Keir Starmer faces a critical evaluation and assessment of his government and leadership, marking his first major test since the general election. Could the outcomes influence his role as leader?
In this special episode, Sam and Anne welcome electi
Germany’s center-left faces near extinction
Serbia Discovers Explosive Near Hungary Pipeline Ahead of Key Election
Pope Leo Urges World Leaders to ‘Choose Peace’ in First Easter Address
He expressed sadness over the rise of what he termed the globalization of indifference, echoing some of the last words of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away nearly a year ago.
“We are becoming accustomed to violence, accepting it, and growing indifferent,” Leo stated. ̶
Leave a Reply