Frank Wienand is a renowned menswear specialist based in Aachen, known for his impeccable reputation. Yet his entrepreneurial spirit extends far beyond the world of fashion. Just across the border in Belgium, he is pursuing a very different kind of project – in a place where fine fabrics and elegant attire once played a central role in cultivated society.
At Château Thor, nestled on the Belgian-German border, centuries of history meet contemporary flair. Guests are welcomed into a distinctive vintage setting that offers both tranquility and a wide range of possibilities for hosting events.
In this interview, Mr. Wienand shares how he came across the château, what drew him to the property, and how it has developed into a lively and versatile venue. He offers insights into the backgrounds of his guests, the château’s historical significance, and the cross-border region’s appeal to property buyers. He also discusses his experiences with heritage authorities, shares valuable advice for potential buyers, and explains his decision to sell the estate for age-related reasons.
Table of Contents
- From Tailored Suits to Stone Walls
- Between Turrets and Tradition
- A Place of Many Possibilities
- Where the Guests Come From
- Charm Meets Character
- Peace, Culture, Perspective
- A Border Region Full of Potential
- Heritage Protection in Belgium
- A Historic Building with a View
- Closing a Chapter
1. Mr. Wienand, you’re actually a menswear specialist based in Aachen. What led you to take on a château project in Belgium?
We came across the property by chance while browsing online – and were instantly fascinated. From the moment we visited for the first time, we were completely captivated. The atmosphere within those thick, historic walls touched us deeply. I immediately sensed the immense potential hidden in this place. It just needed to be brought to life – with sensitivity and a clear vision. Even though my professional background is in a completely different field, I knew right away: this was a project I wanted to pursue.
2. Belgium is famous for its many castles. Did you visit other properties before purchasing Château Thor? What ultimately convinced you – aside from its proximity to the German border?
In fact, this was the only property we visited – it was more or less a lucky find. At the time, the château was in a rather poor condition. However, one major advantage was that large parts of the roof had already been renovated in the early 2000s. We were also impressed by the generous support from the heritage authorities, which is quite remarkable in Belgium.
What ultimately convinced us were the favorable conditions. The purchase was made through a public limited company, which meant we didn’t have to pay the nearly 20 percent property transfer tax. And even for a future sale, the tax burden is significantly lower: as a German national, you only pay 25 percent on capital gains – and nothing at all after a holding period of more than eight years, just like Belgian citizens.
Naturally, the proximity to the German border was also a decisive factor. Many châteaux in Belgium are located in remote areas, which makes it difficult to host guests or events. Château Thor, on the other hand, is ideally situated: just four minutes from the motorway and ten minutes from the center of Aachen or Eupen. That made the decision much easier.
3. What was your intention when taking over the château? Did you have a clear concept in mind from the start, or did the current use develop over time?
Our initial plan was to convert the château into several apartments – the structure certainly would have allowed for it, and it was a realistic project. However, since there was already an existing permit and infrastructure for hotel and event use, we decided to pursue that path first. It allowed us to generate income more quickly and better assess the property’s potential.
Looking back, it was a smart decision. Demand was high right from the start – bookings came in one after another. Since I’m heavily involved in my main business, we chose to focus on renting out the château primarily on weekends. That turned out to be a practical solution, even though we couldn’t meet the high demand during the week.
In the long term, there’s still significant room for growth. Anyone who can fully dedicate themselves to operating the property could easily double the turnover or more. In addition, there’s roughly 1,200 square meters of unused space available for expansion – whether for more guest rooms, seminar facilities or even separate apartments. The potential is definitely there.
4. Where do your guests primarily come from? Are they mainly from Germany, Belgium or other countries?
Our guests actually come from a wide range of regions. For weddings, it’s often couples from Aachen, Cologne or Düsseldorf – which makes sense, as they want to invite friends and family without much travel hassle.
In addition, we host many corporate or family events without large parties, with guests coming from all over Belgium, the Netherlands and even the United States. It’s this diversity that makes the château feel vibrant and full of variety.
5. What role does the château’s atmosphere play – for your guests and for you personally?
The atmosphere is the main draw for our guests. The patina of centuries, the interplay between history and space – these are things you simply can’t recreate artificially. You can immediately sense that this house has a soul. It’s precisely this special atmosphere that makes the stay so unforgettable for many.
For me personally, the château is far more than just a building. When I’m there alone, a profound sense of calm sets in – it’s hard to describe. In those moments, time seems to stand still, and history feels tangible with every breath. For me, it’s like a short retreat for the soul: a place of silence, depth and inspiration. Only a place with true history can offer that.
6. Unwinding in a historic setting is important to many of your guests. But nearby attractions and day trips also play a role. Which destinations in the region are most popular among your guests?
The region around the château truly offers something for everyone. Many guests simply enjoy the peace and quiet of nature – whether walking, hiking or cycling in the surrounding countryside. The nearby golf course is also very popular.
Those looking for culture and city life often head to Aachen to visit its cathedral and charming old town or explore the many small towns and villages in the area.
There are also a few real highlights on the regional calendar: during the Formula 1 weekend in Spa or the world-renowned CHIO equestrian tournament in Aachen, the château is especially in demand. Many guests combine their stay with one of these events. The mix of relaxation in a historic setting and appealing excursion options makes the stay particularly attractive for many.
7. In your opinion, what makes the Belgian-German border region attractive for German property buyers – aside from exceptional projects like Château Thor?
The Belgian-German border region offers several advantages for German property buyers – even without considering exceptional places like Château Thor. First and foremost is the language: German is one of the official languages here, alongside French. This makes everyday life easier for German-speaking buyers and simplifies all dealings with local authorities or service providers.
Another key advantage is the excellent infrastructure and the region’s immediate proximity to Germany. This makes it easy to stay connected with both countries – whether for professional or personal reasons. Culturally, too, the region is deeply intertwined: as a German, you quickly feel at home here.
In addition, property prices in many parts of the border region are still more attractive than in major German urban areas. For people from Aachen in search of a house or apartment, looking just across the border has long been common practice. As in Germany, good properties in Belgium are not available in endless supply.
8. Heritage protection often has a difficult reputation – but things are frequently less complicated than they appear online. What were your experiences with the Belgian heritage authorities during the restoration and use of Château Thor? Were there any special requirements or challenges?
To be honest, our experiences with the Belgian heritage authorities have been consistently positive. Contrary to common fears, the authorities here are very cooperative – and above all, practical. Rather than insisting on rigid regulations, their main focus is on preserving the building, and they actively support the owner in this.
What is particularly impressive is the range of subsidies available: up to 70 percent of costs can be covered for many measures – ranging from restoration to energy improvements and even garden maintenance. Once you understand how the processes work, the procedures are surprisingly straightforward.
The authorities understand that a building which is used and maintained – possibly even generating income – remains in much better condition than an empty property. This understanding shapes the cooperation and ensures a constructive relationship based on mutual respect.
9. What advice would you give to people considering taking over a historic property for commercial use? What are the biggest everyday pitfalls?
Entering the world of historic properties with commercial use requires patience and a lot of trial and error until you find your own way and truly understand the processes. It’s a lot of work – and definitely not for people who only want to plan everything theoretically. Those who constantly get stuck on potential problems will end up experiencing exactly that. Personally, I’m a gut-feeling person and an optimist – and that has helped me succeed.
My motto is: Problems exist to be solved. There is no challenge without a solution – creativity and pragmatism are essential.
Of course, things rarely go exactly as planned – but where does that ever happen? In short: The biggest stumbling block is often yourself. Your own mindset determines how you deal with difficulties and whether you grow from them.
10. Historic properties often require years of dedication and a lot of passion. Is it difficult to eventually let go? You are selling the château for reasons of age – what do you wish for the new owner?
Of course, a lot of passion goes into a project like this – over the years, you don’t just build stone by stone but also an emotional connection.
A historic estate like Château Thor needs someone who treats it with as much respect and love as we have – and who has the vision to carefully continue its development. Naturally, bigger steps can be taken immediately if the financial means are available, but it is just as possible to preserve and expand the château bit by bit over the years.
My great wish for the new owners is that they understand and appreciate the heritage of this special place. If they approach the project with dedication and patience, I can hand over the château to them with a good feeling and let go. This way, historic estates in general are preserved for future generations and for all those who want to experience their unique charm.
Brief History of Château Thor
The origins of the estate date back to the Middle Ages: In the 14th century, a castle of the von Astenet family stood on the site of today’s château — a sturdy residential and defensive tower with a moat and drawbridge. After changing ownership and renovations in the 17th and 18th centuries, the current manor house was built, erected in 1700 as a “Castel” and later complemented by a distinctive gatehouse. The name “Schloss Thor” has been documented since 1733.
In the 19th century, the building was redesigned in a historicist style and from 1947 served as a hotel and restaurant. Until 1997, the château was owned by the Lambertz family, after which an extensive restoration began under the new owner company. Today, Château Thor combines historic architecture with modern use and can be rented for celebrations and events.
Location of Château Thor in Belgium
- Interview conducted by Inga Rück
- Château Thor on Airbnb
- Listing Château Thor
Landkreis Spree-Neiße, Kolkwitz
