When contemplating travel plans this year, we’d recommend putting Belgium at top of the list. With picturesque cities like Bruges and Antwerp to explore, excellent local wines to sip, top restaurants to visit, and stunning country landscapes to wander, you might never want to leave. It’s no wonder Pieter Bruegel the Elder made the country the setting for much of his most-celebrated paintings—and chose Brussels as his home for the final years of his life.
In addition to being an idyllic place to visit, Belgium plays host to some of the most charming chalet-inspired homes, rambling châteaux, and whimsical apartments, making it the perfect place for a more long-term commitment. Here are just a few that await you:
A Tasteful French Villa in Antwerp
Henriette Siersema, Antwerp Sotheby’s International Realty
This stunning French-style villa is located near Park Den Brandt in the south of Antwerp. With its large, bright living areas, grand dining room, and spacious working kitchen, this property is an endlessly inspiring backdrop for rest and recreation. A side wing of the house features a large multipurpose space, perfect for large gatherings or events, and the indoor swimming pool offers the option of rejuvenating laps during the off-season. An easy bike ride from Antwerp’s downtown, this home is the ideal spot for those looking for the tranquility of the country near the amenities of the city.
A Modernist Villa in Brasschaat
Henriette Siersema, Antwerp Sotheby’s International Realty
Guests who stay at this unique 1962 home can enjoy spare white architectural details, landscaped gardens, and an unparalleled level of serenity in a city setting. Adhering to the modernist tendency towards form and function, the villa’s grand entrance doubles as a gallery space, an extension of the property’s considered mix of art, design, and expansiveness. The bright living space, with its large, wall-to-wall sliding glass windows, overlooks the property’s striking old-growth trees. The tiled pool with its terrace and bar provides a chic setting for drinks any day of the week.
A Historic Duplex in Brussels
Bertrand de Moffarts, Brussels Sotheby’s International Realty
Steps from the popular Place Georges Brugmann, this duplex offers a sleek combination of historic features and contemporary sophistication. The double living room and dining room feature ornate moldings and high ceilings, and the home feels open and airy thanks to west-facing windows. Just outside the kitchen, a terrace and garden space provide a seamless transition to the lush scenery outside, while shops, restaurants, and schools are conveniently nearby.
Château D’eau in Steenokkerzeel
Veerle Viérin, Antwerp Sotheby’s International Realty
If you’ve ever dreamed of living in a water tower, this one-of-a-kind property in Steenokkerzeel stands move-in ready. Designed in 2008 by architect Mauro Brigham, the space can function as a home with an incredible view or as a one-of-a-kind office for meetings and breakout sessions. Accessible by elevator, the upper levels house both guest and master bedrooms and two full baths. The top floor, formerly a water basin, now contains the living room and professional kitchen and features 360º windows, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
A Renovated Farmhouse in Turnhout
Henriette Siersema, Antwerp Sotheby’s International Realty
Situated on nearly five acres of land, this stately farmhouse has been updated with all the luxuries of a modern home. A rustic living area is grounded by wall-to-wall brick and a working fireplace, reminiscent of the home’s original architectural features. Grand landscaped gardens, dining terraces, and an elegant swimming pool provide plenty of outdoor spaces for social gatherings and daily wanders. Whether you appreciate Turnhout’s playing card museum or its historic architecture, the city has much to offer the curious buyer.
An Exclusive Villa in Keerbergen
Veerle Viérin, Antwerp Sotheby’s International Realty
Built in 2003 in the style of a historical countryside villa, this property has all the charm of an older home with the added benefit of modern fixtures. The living spaces feature high ceilings and contemporary fireplaces, marrying the spirit of the past with a design-forward aesthetic. Tall windows with French doors lead out to leafy terraces, meaning you’ll have every opportunity to spend as much time outdoors as inside during the warmer months.
Belgium boasts an appealing blend of cultural depth, stirring landscapes, and remarkable architecture. With Michelin-starred dining experiences, exciting cities, and a wealth of art galleries, Belgium is a stop worth making into a permanent retreat.
If you’re ready to make Belgium your home, discover more of the country’s incomparable listings.
