Villa Plage

A Historic Belgian Military Hospital Gets a Luxurious Renewal

Between the dunes and the city in Ostend, Belgium, we’ve discovered an award-winning adaptive reuse of an old military hospital that is bringing an urban renewal to an undeveloped part of the region.

The former infirmaries were renovated into spacious holiday home, in collaboration with architects Stéphane Beel and Groape 3, and south-facing gardens that connect to the beach with a gate, envisioned by landscape designer Paul Deroose.

Authentic touches grace the interiors, like exposed brick walls, high ceilings and a concrete staircase, giving the impression of an industrial Scandinavian or Brooklyn loft. Pink tones and plants, plus whimsical nautical drawings of ships, ship captains and lighthouses by Eva Mouton temper the spaces with a warm softness.  

The holiday home on the beach accommodates up to ten people with four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The bedrooms are individually pastel-colored and feature blissful Auping beds and Rituals bath products. 

You’ll have a fully-equipped kitchen with an espresso machine to brew an espresso, ristretto or lingo with locally-roasted coffee beans, or choose an infusion from the Harney & Sons tea box. The refrigerator also has a curated beverage and wine selection (fees apply).

Other amenities include free parking spaces (one of which is underground), house cleaning, WiFi, Sonos speakers with bluetooth ability, cable/smart television with Youtube and Netflix, and a Weber barbecue with charcoal and Webertools provided (perfect for evenings and communal meals in the garden).

The owners care deeply about fostering connection, outdoor activities and a sense of exploration. Thus, they curated a few activity-starters for their guests: 10 granny bicycles on premises (two with child seats), a city guide with all the best places in Ostend, and a wagon with a windshield. There are also ten beach chairs. For days in, hunker down and break out the board games (chess, checkers, Scrabble, Uno, Monopoly, Don't Get Annoyed and Rummikub to name a few).

Please note that during weekdays outside school holidays, Villa Plage can also be rented entirely by a couple, wherein the top floor is closed off, and the rental consists of two floors with apportioned amenities for two people, including two made-up Auping box-spring beds, and bath, bed and kitchen linens.

Belgium’s Charming Coastal Treasures

Located on the Oosteroever (East Bank) of Ostend, the area has played a role in military history, and still has the fortification and monuments to prove it. Villa Plage is just a few steps away from the stunning dune belt, dyke, beach and sea. In addition, there are many cafes and restaurants in the area, such as De Kabine shopping and restaurants, and Share East beach bar. The heart of Ostend is reachable foot by foot, ferry, or bicycle, and is a vibrant city with an 1811-built, Napoleonic military fortress, art museums and a historic lighthouse. 

LOCATION

Oostende, Belgium. Nearest Airport: Oostende-Brugge International Airport (4.3 miles away)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Late June to early September for the best weather