The Verhaegen boasts a rich and intriguing history.
Discover its fascinating story, past and present.
Back in the days
A City palace and
graceful winter residence
The original occupants of this graceful patrician residence were Count and Countess Dhane-Steenhuyze, Lord and Lady of Leeuwergem. The house was built as the couple’s winter residence in approximately 1760, during the late Rococo era. In the 19th century, it was first occupied by mayor Jean-Baptist Minne-Barth – grandfather of the famous sculptor Georges Minne. Later it became home to baron Arthur Verhaegen. The name ‘Hotel Verhaegen‘ – as the building was known until 2004 – not only refers to its former occupant; but also its historical description: ‘private hotel’ or city palace.
2004: the spark was ignited…
From ‘private hotel’
to bed and breakfast
‘Hotel Verhaegen’ remained in the family for generations, and was revered as one of Ghent’s most magnificent architectural gems. The property, which had since become completely dilapidated, was put up for sale in 2004.
At the time – being interior designers with a penchant for classical architecture – we were searching for a new location for our interior design studio. Hotel Verhaegen immediately captured our hearts! Only an hour after our first visit, we decided to purchase and painstakingly restore the classic building to its former glory.
This is where we now live, work and enjoy running our B&B.
A rich and intriguing history.
From ‘Hotel’ to B&B
The Verhaegen boasts four guest rooms, each with its own distinctive style and inviting ambience. High ceilings, intricate panel doors, a romantic four-poster bed, a hidden private parlour … beauty has never been quite so enthralling and, by turns, relaxing.
Guests can enjoy a generous breakfast in the elegant dining room surrounded by imposing murals by Pierre Norbert van Reysschoot, relax with a book or a well-earned glass of wine in the sumptuous drawing room that showcases a tasteful blend of antique and contemporary furniture, or lose all track of time in the charming courtyard garden, enveloped by ornamental boxwood hedges.
Indeed, closing your eyes amidst the greenery immediately conjures images of horse-drawn carriages and a colourful bygone age…
