Hermitage of Resteigne

The hermitage was occupied by a certain Edmond d’Hoffschmidt, known as the Hermit of Resteigne. Born in 1777, he served as an officer under Napoleon and over the course of his lifetime gave rise to many legends relating to the village of Resteigne. It was after taking part in the Pomeranian campaign that he returned to his ancestral home. The story goes that, during this campaign, he met and fell in love with Christiane von Keffenbrinck. Unfortunately, her father opposed their marriage. This painful memory was said to be one of the reasons that led Edmond to become a recluse for almost 15 years. He immersed himself in literature, ranging from philosophy to the encyclopaedia. He was well versed in the classics, reading Latin but also the works of French authors such as Boileau, La Fontaine, Voltaire or Rousseau. He also appreciated the modern poets of the day such as Lamartine and Byron. On the death of his fatherin 1830, he inherited the Chateau of Resteigne. This prompted him to emerge from his hermitage, although he never abandoned it entirely, to return to the village and manage his estate. In later years, he became a municipal councillor (January 1846) and finally Bourgmestre, or mayor, from August 1847 until his death. During his term of
office, he was instrumental in significantly developing the village’s activities.There are many accounts of both his kindness and his originality. Apparently, he delighted in playing tricks on his fellow citizens, spreading surprises and laughter.