MUD Residence

A Sixties Home Reborn as a Creative Hub

Bringing this home to life was something of a leap of faith for its two creative owners. Presented with the opportunity to buy their neighbor's house, they at first considered it as a place to put up friends and family. Then the idea blossomed into something far bigger and more interesting. What emerged was a guesthouse and creative hub, a minimalist space that embodies their personal motto "dream, believe, do, repeat". 

The couple took the original Sixties dwelling, and with the help of rising-star interior architect Andy Kerstens, broke down the old layout and redivided the space to create modern lines and new open spaces, inviting more natural light inside. They added a slender steel extension that enlarged the visual impact of the space and opened it up to the garden.

Natural elements and materials were used inside and out, including the imposing flagstones that flow from the dining room floor out onto the terrace, and the beautifully crafted wooden ceilings. Each room has curated art as well as new and vintage design pieces. We love the freestanding bath in the bedroom and the extraordinary kitchen island with its fountain-like sink.

The home that was to be a guesthouse has become a uniquely imaginative space, equally suited to a romantic getaway or a creative hideaway, and welcome to all who want to let their imaginations run free.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

This vacation home for rent in Belgium has two en-suite bedrooms, a kitchen and dining space that can be converted into a meeting room for 10 guests. The house is surrounded by a lush garden that's green year round. There is an outdoor terrace, with a barbecue, and a separate studio space that can be booked independently for meetings, podcast recordings, personal training, or writer's retreats.

Included in the rates: use of the bio sauna (with infrared radiant heat), electric bikes and outdoor Weltevree hot tub, plus a welcome basket with champagne, soft drinks, chips, pasta and sauce.

AROUND

This vacation home for rent in Belgium is located in the village of Oud-Heverlee, at the edge of Heverlee Forest and Meerdaal Woods, both of which have great hiking trails. Four miles away, you'll find the lively cultural hub Leuven (don't miss M – Museum Leuven for its exhibitions of contemporary and historical art). 

Cosmopolitan Brussels, known for its diverse architecture (including the wonderfully eccentric modernist structure, the Atomium), green spaces, countless museums (including one devoted to local hero René Magritte), and thriving performing arts scene, is 16 miles away.

LOCATION

Oud-Heverlee, Belgium. Nearest airport: Liège (37 miles).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year round, but June to August for best weather.

Photography by Piet-Albert Goethals; Michel Verpoorten