From a distance, the latest design hotel to hit Belgian shores could be little more than a rennovated 19th century windmill and farmhouse. Step a little closer however and things come a little clearer. The d-hotel, from Belgian architect Govaert en Vanhoutte, is an immaculate synthesis of traditional culture with contemporary design.
The farmhouse portion of the project has indeed been renovated to contain the ample wellness centre, lounge, bar and breakfast area but it is the guestrooms, set within several unrefined concrete volumes lying-low adjacent to the windmill that caught our eye.
Glass-fronted and achingly industrial, the volumes contain 34 guestrooms and eleven suites, each of which has been given the distinctive mark of a renowned name in Belgian creativity.
The fashion suite, for instance, comes courtesy of Belgian couturier Natan; the diamond suite from Belgian-Italian jeweler Hulchi Belluni; whilst the Movie suite comes from writer, actor and director Jan Verheven.
Despite the various embellishments and additions, the guestrooms all boil down to simple, creamy, clean-lined luxury, dramatically offset by the ascetic exterior – a theme held consistently throughout this weird and wonderful hotel.
ADDRESS
D-Hotel
Abdijmolenweg 1
8510 Marke
Kortrijk
-
Five of the finest compact cameras available todayPocketable cameras are having a moment. We’ve assembled a set of cutting-edge compacts that’ll free you from the ubiquity of smartphone photography and help focus your image making
-
London label Wed Studio is embracing ‘oddness’ when it comes to bridal dressingThe in-the-know choice for fashion-discerning brides, Wed Studio’s latest collection explores the idea that garments can hold emotions – a reflection of designers Amy Trinh and Evan Phillips’ increasingly experimental approach
-
Arts institution Pivô breathes new life into neglected Lina Bo Bardi building in BahiaNon-profit cultural institution Pivô is reactivating a Lina Bo Bardi landmark in Salvador da Bahia in a bid to foster artistic dialogue and community engagement
-
The Standard, Brussels makes a stylish case for work-life balanceThis playful yet polished city escape blends global flair, local flavour, and rooftop views worth lingering over
-
Tour Eurostar’s sleek new lounges in Paris and BrusselsLondon-based Chris Bagot Architects has designed a stylish environment in which to work or unwind prior to high-speed rail travel
-
Antwerp Navigator: an unfussy guide to ‘the diamond capital of the world’A visit to Antwerp will stimulate and inspire your senses, in the best way. Here’s what we recommend
-
Stay in Paradis, a heavenly new ‘curated apartment’ on the Belgian coastThe vibrant Belgian harbour town of Ostende is now home to an art and design-filled holiday apartment by local agency Club Paradis
-
Bar Magritte in Brussels is the world’s only bar dedicated to the Belgian Surrealist artistBar Magritte, located inside Hotel Amigo in Brussels, offers expert mixology and René Magritte’s inimitable quirkiness
-
Fine dining and environmentally friendly shelters define La Roseraie ModaveChef Marie Trignon’s La Roseraie Modave adds these cabin-style shelters to its acclaimed dining offering, on the edge of the Ardennes in Belgium
-
Hotel August offers a modern-day sanctuary in Antwerp's Green DistrictHotel August is a former Augustinian convent quirkily reimagined by Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen
-
La Réserve, Knokke’s grand dame of hospitality, is back with a bangLa Réserve in Knokke launches its luxurious redesign by Glenn Sestig, bringing the iconic Belgian hotel icon into the 21st century
