Batta House

In the heart of the picturesque town of Huy, Belgium, lies the historic Batta House, known locally as Batta Huis. This architectural gem, perched gracefully by the Meuse River, is a testament to centuries of history and the evolution of styles from the Renaissance to the Mosan. Batta House is not just a building; it's a storybook of Belgian heritage waiting to be explored.

The Historical Tapestry of Batta House

The origins of Batta House date back to the 16th century, with its construction spanning several decades into the 17th century. Initially serving as a refuge for the Abbey of Val-Saint-Lambert in Seraing, the house has witnessed numerous transformations and modifications over the centuries. The main residential building and its annex were constructed around 1575, during the tenure of Abbot Renier de Raizier, and were completed under Abbot Guillaume le Pannetier de Fraipont.

The 17th century brought further changes, with significant additions made in 1643 by Michel de Taxilis. This new wing led to the near-total disappearance of one of the gables of the original building, which once featured a grand entrance and various ornamental openings. The remnants of these embellishments can still be seen on the first floor.

In 1767, a chapel was added to the house, resulting in the closure of two bays on the southwestern gable. The French Revolution left its mark on Batta House as well, with the decorative coats of arms adorning the building being damaged during the revolutionary fervor of 1802.

Architectural Evolution and Restoration

Throughout the 19th century, Batta House underwent several architectural modifications. An engraving from 1836 by W. H. Bartlett depicts a pyramidal roof crowned with a series of structures, culminating in a spire with a bulbous finial. This design evolved over time, and today, the spire rests on a simpler pyramidal roof with a single bulb.

In the same century, the windows facing the Meuse were altered, with the original cross-windows replaced by larger rectangular ones. The once elaborate pediment of the volute tower was simplified to a triangular form. The 20th century saw further changes, including the installation of a steam sawmill against the building, which altered the facade of the annex.

The ravages of war also left their mark on Batta House. During World War I, the southwestern gable's bays were bricked up but retained their cross or mullion structures. In 1940, a bomb explosion damaged the street-facing facade, necessitating reconstruction of the affected sections.

In 1999, the Londot family acquired Batta House and undertook significant restoration efforts, including repairing the roofs of the annex and the attached towers. They also replaced a chimney and a roof window. Further restoration of the large dormer windows on the Meuse side is planned.

Exploring Batta House

Visitors to Batta House are greeted by a facade that tells a story of resilience and adaptation. The main residential building features three large openings on each of its two floors, with the staircase illuminated by three windows on the ground floor and one on the upper floor. The southwestern gable originally boasted two large cross-windows and two narrower ones, with only one large cross-window remaining on the upper floor.

The Meuse-facing facade is divided into seven equal bays, with a steeply pitched hip roof adorned with dormer windows on each side. The garden-side annex is punctuated with numerous openings, including a door, while the gable facing the towpath originally had only one opening. The annex's final facade comprises three openings, including a door and two mullioned windows, beneath a simple double-pitched roof.

The square tower closest to the Meuse features small openings and a pyramidal roof topped with a bulbous finial. The other tower presents three identical facades, except for the pediment. The ground and first floors each have a large cross-window, with the latter adorned with a pediment featuring curves, counter-curves, and volutes. This pediment is divided into three registers, each with intricate details, including volutes, pilasters, vases, and oval shields.

The final wing of Batta House mirrors the street and Meuse facades, with numerous bays and a double-pitched roof dotted with dormer windows. An attached square tower, punctuated with windows, is capped with a pyramidal roof.

The Materials and Techniques of Batta House

Batta House is a harmonious blend of brick and stone. The ground floor stones are limestone from the Meuse region, while the upper floors feature sandstone. The 17th-century wing is exclusively limestone. The dull red bricks likely originate from the Liège region, and the timber for the roof structures and other woodwork is probably local. The slate tiles may have come from nearby Tihange.

The limestone blocks bear the marks of chisels and gradines, while the sandstone has a smooth finish, possibly due to polishing. These materials and techniques reflect the craftsmanship of the time and contribute to the building's historical charm.

The Styles of Batta House

Batta House is a mosaic of architectural styles. The main residential building showcases Franco-Italian Renaissance influences, while the volute tower is a fine example of Flemish Renaissance architecture. The final wing, built in the Mosan style, ties the various elements together. Despite its eclectic mix, some authors, including R. Delooz, R. Furnemont, L. Schoenmaekers, and D. Reymen, classify the entire building as Mosan due to its combination of stone and brick.

Batta House, with its rich history and architectural diversity, is a must-visit for anyone interested in Belgian heritage. Its walls whisper tales of abbots, revolutions, and restorations, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. As you stroll through its halls and gardens, you'll be transported back in time, experiencing the grandeur and resilience of this remarkable building.