Contributor/ Lucy Goddard
Best Known For
Interior Architect, Nele Vercauteren, and her husband Bas Wauman, also an Architect, have created a beautiful 3-bedroom B&B concept located in one of the few remaining nature reserves in Belgium’s Waasland region. Overlooking spectacular cornfields and the River Durme, Arck B&B is a completely tranquil retreat – but with Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent all within easy reach, it is the perfect base for both exploration as well as relaxation.
The Good Stuff
As you are greeted at the door you know that you are walking into an architect’s vision! Clean and crisp, but with an eclectic mix of vintage and modern pieces to populate the space; Scandinavian and Japanese influences are evident – as is a patriotic peppering of homegrown Belgian designs. The lounge is filled with Taschen books and design publications, and an honesty bar takes the form of SMEG fridges filled with a selection of wines and Belgian beers with a coffee machine available for guests. To the rear, huge glazed doors open onto an outdoor space boasting both a Weltevree outdoor pizza oven and a Dutchtub. The breakfast was faultless! Traditional breads, home-made jams, eggs from their own hens and (lots of) freshly made coffee – all using organic ingredients sourced from local traders.
The Vibe
The residence’s three bedrooms each boasted a distinct style and concept. Eager to experience as much as this Belgium design treat had to offer we opted for a mid-stay change, meaning we experienced two of the three rooms – both amazing! Cool, relaxed and pretty grown up – how you would imagine your uncluttered designer self would live.
Inside the Hotel 9/10
‘Stop The Water While Using Me’ products fill the bathrooms looking beautiful, smelling great and echoing the ever environmentally conscious feel. HAY towels are colour coded to the rooms and are stacked proudly like a peice of art. Karimoku bins, Nuee cusions and even the HAY clothes hangers help curate the room. Design perfection.
Outside the Hotel 7/10
The score is subjective, if quiet reflection and a simple choice is your flavour then change this to 10/10 (for me it was). Use the bikes, choose a suitable hiking trail or cycle route and go explore! There are a handful of cafes and restaurants on the doorstep and yoga close by. A 30 minute walk takes you to the next village which is full of 17th century architecture and an incredible sushi restaurant! Did I mentioned there’s also a four-man camper van to hire if you want to continue your adventure further afield…
