THE NEW MONT ST. JEAN FARM IN WATERLOO

May 1, 2016

Ever since there is nothing to see at the Waterloo Lion mount anymore except a new built restaurant, (the museum of the battle is under ground) Waterloo inhabitants,  my friends and I prefer to go to the old historical place of the Mont St. Jean farm.It had been used as a Hospital by Wellington during the Waterloo battle. It has been beautifully restored and is on the way to become a real nice place to spend some time walking around or having a drink. The farm had been bought by Anthony Martin who with his team took the challenge to save the site and make it really worthwhile to visit.

The project is being carried out in collaboration with the architects André Dupont and Associates, who are specialized in listed heritage buildings – they were also responsible for restoration of the famous Hougoumont Chateau.

The Mont St. Jean farm already hosts a microbrewery, where Waterloo Beer is brewed.

The site also offers a spacious event room (La Grange), a superb restaurant (L'Orangerie du Prince), a shop dedicated to local products (Le Comptoir),

A museum, and visits to the Court and Orchard, a playground and an educational farm will be available for children in the near future.

Each week when I go there with friends to have a drink I discover the progress of this site.






The inner court yard





Just behind the chicken enclosure in this part of the farm will be the museum



It was not open yet, so I took these pictures through the windows



The grange is in renovation progress, the tiles on the roof replaced. This will be available for special events.



One barn looks almost untouched to the pleasure of the children



But the other barn, just opposite had changed ! On this picture you can see how it was about 3 weeks ago and how it looks now.





A bar and a little snack or restaurant had been installed, I would say in really no time !





The Brasserie L'orangerie du Prince, has more and more success, here was a birthday party going on.



There is now a nice way with gravels leading to a kind of oriental tent.



It is probably also destined for events. Probably weddings. That's only a guess. Outside there are comfortable seats and umbrellas. From there you have a wonderful view on the orchards and fields.

The day I went the sky was grey and it was rather cool, but I imagine that during summertime this place will be full of people as it is really beautiful.