In the shadow of St Rumbold’s Tower is a unique historical monument. ‘De Cellekens’ was originally a charitable institution which took in needy women without a family to care for them.  The three wings form a U-shape around the magnificent enclosed garden.  The convent building in the middle and left and right are little houses with round arched doors built in 1854.  Originally each door provided access to two small rooms with bed, cupboard, chair and table.  The institution derives its name from these little ‘cells’. ‘De Cellekens’ was empty for a long time until the new owners, artist Mariette Teugels and her photographer husband Herman Smet, restored the building.*

Margaret specialises in  busts, sculptures of animals and the human figure and some of her work can be seen in the garden.  The Cells are not open to the public.

*From Hotelmagazine 2014-2015 Welcome in Mechelen