Ostend Villa
Ostend Villa is a luxurious holiday rental located in the middle of the dunes on the beach of Ostend on the Flemish Coast.
I would say that rather than feeling like an untouched palace, Hôtel Verhaegen provides a very homey atmosphere. It is not bold but talks to you very softly.
Hôtel Verhaegen
Make sure to include the breakfast, it is one of the main experiences at the Verhaegen! Everything is fresh and prepared at your table. Even the delicious coffee is painstakingly roasted on an open fire according to an old tradition.
Please note that check-in is from 8am till 9pm. Check-out is only from 8am. This is a real B&B and the owners still have their activity as interior designers. So there are no exceptions.
How would you describe Hôtel Verhaegen in a nutshell?
Hôtel Verhaegen is a private mansion turned into a beautifully restored Bed and Breakfast or hôtel particulier in the historical centre of Ghent, Belgium.
As interior designers we had become interested in this wonderful house from the 18th century. Once we realized that it was too big for only two people, we decided to open it as a five-room boutique B&B.
The house was bought in 2004 and we opened Hôtel Verhaegen one year later. We would have preferred to not change a single thing about the house and therefore only did some renovation work that gave it a homogenous atmosphere of the 1760s as well as some classical styling. None of the flooring, panelling nor any of the marble was changed, as we wanted it to retain its historical feeling.
Please tell us about the interior design at Hôtel Verhaegen.
It’s an eclectic mix, with Chinese vases and classical clocks on the mantles, tastefully mixed with some modern elements. The colours were chosen carefully to resemble those of the 18th century.
The front doors are very large and the rooms have high ceilings, but at the same time it’s not too big. The house has an aristocratic pedigree with Chinese antique wallpaper, frescoes, and amazing marble fireplaces.
The furniture is a mix of antiques and modern pieces. Some items were custom-made for the B&B such as the carpets, which we designed ourselves. You will notice that there is beautiful detailing everywhere waiting to be discovered little by little.
I would say that rather than feeling like an untouched palace, Hôtel Verhaegen provides a very homey atmosphere. It is not bold but talks to you very softly.
What’s been the biggest reward since you opened the Bed and Breakfast?
It is so much fun to talk to all the interesting people that stay with us at Hôtel Verhaegen. Hearing about what they’re doing and learning about their lives is always a very special treat for us.
All the rooms at our hôtel particulier are very different but special in their own way and a true pleasure for any art lover.
In one room, which was originally completely white, we added Pompeii red tapestries to complement the lighting. Our Italian room holds all the Italian furniture and is painted sky blue with very soft beige. Our very spacious suite features contemporary art panels. Then there’s the cosy room in the attic with its old beams and a wonderful mix of the old and new.
For most of our holiday guests, staying with us provides a special treat as it feels like a small paradise away from reality. It is tucked away from the city of Ghent, quiet and private like a cocoon and therefore almost like a world in itself.
Our intention was to create a very soft and gentle atmosphere, which the house by itself already provides; we didn’t have to add a lot to that.
Each room at Hôtel Verhaegen has a completely different character and style, where contemporary designs are mixed with carefully chosen antiques. Impressive high ceilings, thick wall to wall carpeting, sumptuous curtains and beautiful marble table tops provide that extra feeling of luxury and pampering.
This deluxe room features an en suite bathroom, offering separate shower, bath and toilet.
Each room at Hôtel Verhaegen has a completely different character and style, where contemporary designs are mixed with carefully chosen antiques. Impressive high ceilings, thick wall to wall carpeting, sumptuous curtains and beautiful marble table tops provide that extra feeling of luxury and pampering.
This deluxe room features an en suite bathroom, offering separate shower, bath and toilet.
Each room at Hôtel Verhaegen has a completely different character and style, where contemporary designs are mixed with carefully chosen antiques. Impressive high ceilings, thick wall to wall carpeting, sumptuous curtains and beautiful marble table tops provide that extra feeling of luxury and pampering.
The Cosy room is an extremely pleasant room to cocoon in with your partner. The bath is hidden in an alcove with fine wood panelling. The soft ocre shades of the walls create a feeling of warmth.
Each room at Hôtel Verhaegen has a completely different character and style, where contemporary designs are mixed with carefully chosen antiques. Impressive high ceilings, thick wall to wall carpeting, sumptuous curtains and beautiful marble table tops provide that extra feeling of luxury and pampering.
A very romantic junior suite, this lush, three window guestroom offers a comfortable reading area around a Queen Ann couch to enjoy those special private moments.
Each room at Hôtel Verhaegen has a completely different character and style, where contemporary designs are mixed with carefully chosen antiques. Impressive high ceilings, thick wall to wall carpeting, sumptuous curtains and beautiful marble table tops provide that extra feeling of luxury and pampering.
Contemporary and very spacious bedroom with a balcony, joined to a private reading and breakfast room. The bathroom offers a sumptuous bath for complete relaxation.
We have a nice selection of wines in the minibar, our guests can enjoy tea in the sitting room and we provide laundry services. We also have a concierge who can arrange for taxis and other services.
There are so many highlights to see! Close by there’s a little shop in a beautiful old house with a gorgeous floor and old cabinets. They carry more than 2,000 spices. It’s amazing and definitely worth a visit.
In the 18th century, Ghent was just as important as Paris. After his exile from Elba, Napoleon was hosted in a big palace that is open to visitors every Friday and Saturday afternoon by appointment. If you like old houses, it’s a must see.
You can also see The Mystic Lamb, a famous painting by the Flemish primitive painter van Eyck. It’s currently in restoration but you can see it in its original setting.
Ghent is centrally located in Belgium so that if you want to take a day trip, the cities of Bruges, Antwerp or Brussels are only a short train ride away.
Hôtel Verhaegen is right in the middle of the old town of Ghent, one street away from the touristic crowds. It’s a beautiful area that you can explore entirely on foot, as everything is close by.
Ghent is the third most authentic town in the world, according to UNESCO. Unlike Brussels there are no huge boulevards and the city is much more rural, without any traffic congestion. It’s a very friendly town with beautiful restaurants, from the more casual to fine dining. There is a lot of cultural life and always something to explore, such as the ballet, opera, theatres, restaurants, and plenty of opportunities for shopping.
Our holiday guests come at any time of the year, as each season provides a special atmosphere. The only one day where everything is closed is Christmas.
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