Collective living in the '90s

Beguinage, Hoogstraten

The beguinage in Hoogstraten was completely derelict after having been vacant for nearly twenty years. In 1992, five local residents formed a non-profit organisation and were granted a 99-year lease on the complex by the municipality. The organisation set about finding residents for each home, who would be responsible for its restoration and maintenance. The one-time fee to be paid by each resident was determined by the size and orientation of the home, the size of the garden, and its accessibility by bicycle.

The beguinage consists of 34 large and small houses occupied by residents with different income levels. All residents are free to decorate their homes to their own personal tastes, albeit in accordance with the agreements made with the Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed (Agency for Immovable Heritage). The area remains car-free to this day, with residents being given the opportunity to rent a parking space behind the complex. The non-profit organisation uses the rental proceeds to maintain the communal areas. The former bleachfield which the homes are situated around, is maintained by the municipality and used for various municipal events. It is also used by the residents and their children. The church is still used for services and is open to local residents and tourists alike.