This is a bit of a rambling post that will take you to some of our favorite places in Belgium. I hope you enjoy the trip as much as we did!
One place I know you will love is the hotel we chose in Brussels (thank you Greet!) Le Dixseptieme.
Le Dixseptieme was originally built in the 14th Century and was rebuilt in the 17th Century as the residence to the Spanish Embassador.
The main salon is a beautiful room with tall steel doors lining the entrance hall.
The salon is a sunny comfortable room furnished in classic Belgian neutrals with splashes of color.
The salon was also the only room with WiFi...
I'm always looking for beautiful details... This door hardware on the steel doors is classically Belgian.
While waiting for our room, I visited the lobby bathroom and was not disappointed with the decor.
Although this image is a bit blurry, I had to share this faucet. You twitst the piece at the spout to turn on the water!
We ate breakfast here every morning.
We didn't eat dinner at the hotel, but perhaps we should have!
Please join me upstairs for a tour of some of the suites.
We stayed in the Classic Part of the hotel. This isn't an image of our suite, but our room was equally as spacious and lovely.
All of the accomodations are beautifully appointed.
The Contemporary Part of Le Dixseptieme is just as gorgeous and Belgian.
During our stay in Brussels, we took a day trip to Ghent. Please forgive me... although Ghent is a gorgeous city, I was a bit jet lagged and didn't take any scenic photos.
However, I did manage to document our visit to Peter Van Cronenburg's Architectural Hardware!
Peter and I view hardware in the same way: "Hardware is the jewelry of a house".
As Peter states in his philosophy: "You don't enter a library room in the same state of mind you do with a workshop. This diversity not only creates a dynamic of its own in the house, but allows you to make priorities given a budget".
All of Peter's hardware is handcrafted, allowing for any customization.
This handmade quality of his hardware gives each piece an authentic patina.
The natural finishes of Peter's hardware only become more beautiful with time.
Steve and I plan to use Peter's hardware at Patina Farm.
The only challenge is narrowing down our selections!
After a couple of hours at Peter's studio it was time to leave...
Another "not to miss" city in Belgium is Bruges.
I loved the architecture of this charming place!
I could imagine living in this home with its cottage garden and vine covered exterior.
Couldn't you?
Because of its scenic canals, Bruges is often called the "Venice of Belgium".
Leila loved our visit.
This was one of my favorite houses.
I need to have a window like this at Patina Farm. It will give a glimpse into a secret garden...
I think Nick was still feeling a bit jeg lagged at the beginning of the day!
Many of the street corners had beautiful religious statues.
There were amazing views around every corner!
By the end of the day we were all intoxicated by the beauty of Bruges!
We said goodbye to Bruges filled with inspiration...
During the next couple of days, we visited several architectural salvage yards scattered in the Belgian countryside.
We weren't expecting such a stunning garden in the front of a salvage yard. This was no Home Depot!
Marubo was an amazing find!
Inside these gorgeous gates is some of the most fantastic architectural elements I've ever seen.
Benny, the owner of Marubo, is a kind man who was patient with me and my inability to speak understandable French or Flemish!
I am definitely in my element.
Where can I use this, and how can I get it home? Can I stow it in the overhead bin of the airplane on the way home?
We took one last look at Benny's garden before heading out...
One place that will be on our list to revisit on our next visit is Van Huele.
Unfortunately Van Huele was closed when we came by, but we weren't disappointed by the gardens and the exterior inspiration.
The Van Huele's charming front door.
I need a stone window at Patina Farm!
I could have spent all day in the lush green garden.
As we got into the car I took one last look at the Van Huele's home...
We rode down the cobbled drive, but I know I will return!
I hope you enjoyed your Belgian vacation with us!
I'd love to hear what you enjoyed.
xo
Brooke
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