THE MOST CHARMING HOUSE IN BRUGGE

Dear friends,

You might be surprised to learn that just over that bridge…

and down this charming street…

in that nondescript building on the left just above the antique store…

at the top of this very steep and narrow staircase…

lies the front door of the most charming house in Brugge, Belgium. It’s called The White Rooms Apartment Dijver and it’s the vacation rental property we had the very good fortune to occupy during our recent trip to Europe.

As one enters the door there is yet another steep staircase to traverse in order to get up to the kitchen, dining and living area of Apartment Dijver. As you arrive at the top of the stairs you first find yourself in the most charming of kitchens.

Rough hewn, wide plank hardwood floors are offset by kitchen cabinets painted in a lovely shade of aqua. A copper colored Moroccan tile backsplash fits cosily under the slanted ceiling, a result of the high pitched roof above.

This antique farmer’s table graces the dining area, which has been adorned with a fantastic collection of antique bread boards and baskets.

Just look at the gabled roof and fantastic heavy beams that support it.

The color pallet used by talented Interior Designer Natalie Haegeman, owner of the White Rooms of Brugge, is just so pleasing, comfortable and harmonious. Steeped with a mix of old and new, the overall design aesthetic of the home speaks to the Flemish culture and history of Brugge.

I loved the antique gateleg table, and the lovely vignette of items that adorned it.

A wonderful assortment of Belgian tapestry pillows were placed on an antique wooden daybed, turning it into a comfortable, lounging couch.

A TV was tucked into a little alcove in the wall opposite the couch. Several upholstered arm chairs provided ample seating in the generously sized yet cozy living room.

Lots of floor and table lamps provided just the right amount of accent lighting. There was no shortage of books to read, many of them dedicated to interior design.

I liked the fitted table cloth that was used to disguise an old table. It made a perfect end table.

A tack board on one wall was chock full of letters to the owner, thanking her for their stay in Apartment Dijver.

Now, let’s head back downstairs to the 1st floor of the apartment.

Here there are two comfortable bedrooms and a charming bathroom. We used this bedroom, which was just big enough for a king sized bed that was dressed in comfortable, high thread count sheets, down pillows and duvet.

At the foot of the bed was this settee, again brimming with down filled tapestry pillows.

The second bedroom, which came in handy as a place to house our suitcases, had a queen sized bed and was equally as pretty as the other.

At the foot of the bed was this artfully accessorized table.

Just across the hall was the most lovely of bathrooms.

The countertop was fashioned from a piece of old, distressed wood. I have never seen unsealed wood used as a sink surround. It made me a bit nervous that I might damage it. But, I can only assume that the owner expected that the exposure to water would simply provide a further attractive patina to the wood. Not a very practical choice in my opinion, especially for trying to keep it clean and sanitary, but I must admit, it was really quite beautiful.

I could not have loved the hand carved antique mirror more. And the wall sconces, fashioned from pieces of ancient iron were so pretty.

Tucked into a little alcove was a shower, complete with a cute little wooden stool.

We loved every minute of our stay in what I am certain is the most charming house in Brugge. Tucked above an antique store, which was run by a lovely, helpful woman who spoke perfect English, we felt right at home in the most beautiful town in Belgium.

The evening before our departure, as we were packing our suitcases, I heard the most delightful sounds coming from the street below. Peering out the window I caught a glimpse of this parade going by. I have no idea what they were celebrating but I felt like it was a serenade meant just for us.

People told me how beautiful Brugge was but nothing could prepare me for what turned out to be the highlight of our 6 country European adventure. Run, don’t walk to Brugge, Belgium as soon as you can. And stay in the White Rooms Apartment Dijver while you are there. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the luxuries and comfort of home while away from home. It completely fit one of my mottos for life, “Never leave home for anything less than you are leaving behind.”

We paid an all inclusive price of 498.00 Euros for our 2 night stay in this charming abode. There was no separate security deposit or cleaning fee. You too can stay there by contacting Natalie Haegeman at www.white-rooms.be. Tell her I sent you.

And, you won’t want to miss my next travel post when I’ll take you on a tour, both on foot and by boat, of beautiful Brugge. I’m telling you, it’s the most quaint, picturesque city I have ever seen.

So there you have it: THE MOST CHARMING HOUSE IN BRUGGE

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