Kantelhoek

Kantelhoek is a toponym used for several small settlements and farmsteads in Dutch-speaking regions of the Low Countries. The name derives from the Dutch elements kant and hoek, meaning edge or corner, indicating a location at a boundary of fields or along a road junction. As a place name, Kantelhoek does not refer to a single town but to multiple localities that share a common linguistic origin.

Geography and settlement pattern

Kantelhoeken are typically rural, embedded in agricultural landscapes, and often situated on the outskirts of larger municipalities. They usually consist of a cluster of farms, houses, and sometimes a small roadside feature rather than a planned urban center. The exact position of each Kantelhoek varies, but all reflect the characteristic language-based naming of rural corners or boundaries.

History

The toponym appears in regional records from the early modern period, with many Kantelhoek locations beginning as dispersed farmsteads rather than planned villages. Over time, such places were incorporated into larger municipalities and postal areas, preserving the name in local use and address designations.

Demography and economy

Populations in Kantelhoek localities are small, typically ranging from a few dozen to a few hundred residents across the various sites. The economy has historically centered on agriculture; today, residents commonly work in nearby towns or engage in farming, small-scale trades, or local services.

Culture and landmarks

Local features often include a historic farm, a roadside cross or wayside shrine, and sometimes a small chapel or community building. Because the name covers several places, cultural specifics vary by location.

Administrative status

Kantelhoek localities are not independent municipalities; they are part of larger municipal or provincial authorities and share administrative structures with surrounding villages and towns.