Facing the Royal Park, the Frère-Orban House is a remarkable example of 18th-century neoclassical architecture. Once the residence of Walthère Frère-Orban, a key Belgian political leader, this historic home was at the heart of his political career. It has remained in the family and is still owned by a direct descendant.

PRESENTATION

Built in 1779 during the reign of Maria Theresa of Austria, the house is part of the elegant urban ensemble designed by architect Gilles Barnabé Guimard, who also planned the Brussels Park and the nearby Federal Parliament. 

The prestigious Rue Ducale Street - Hertogstraat, where the house stands, recalls the former palace of the Dukes of Burgundy and Brabant, which was destroyed by fire in 1731. With its refined neoclassical style, the house embodies the symmetry and grandeur of late 18th-century architecture, inspired by the classical antiquity, in reaction to the exuberance of rococo. Inside, it houses a selection of significant historical and artistic objects.

Located on the edge of Cinquantenaire Park, House Cauchie is one of the most remarkable Art Nouveau houses in Brussels. Designed in 1905 by the artist couple Paul Cauchie (1875-1952) and Lina Cauchie, née Caroline Voet (1875-1969), the house served both as their home and a showcase for their work. 

Today, this listed building is owned by CDA and open to the public as part of Brussels’ museum network. 

PRESENTATION

Unlike many Brussels Art Nouveau façades, often inspired by nature, House Cauchie stands out for its striking geometric design. 

Its impressive façade, conceived as a giant advertisement, is richly decorated with sgraffito panels, demonstrating the expertise of the Ateliers Cauchie and attracting potential clients. The first floor served as a display space for interior decoration, with some original elements still visible today.

After the death of Paul and Lina Cauchie, the house was gradually abandoned and faced demolition. In 1979, Guy and Léona Dessicy saved it and undertook a meticulous restoration.

In 1979, Guy and Léona Dessicy saved it and undertook a meticulous restoration. 

The former basement workshop has been converted into a gallery showcasing the couple’s works and archives. Knowledgeable guides bring their story to life during visits.

The van Buuren Museum and Gardens, located in Brussels, is a magnificent Art Deco residence dating from 1928. Its perfectly preserved interior houses an exceptional collection of artworks from the 15th to the 20th century. 

Surrounding the villa, the beautifully landscaped gardens offer a unique journey through landscape design. 

The museum is administered by the Public-interest foundation The van Buuren Museum and Gardens, set up in 1970 by Alice van Buuren, and has been open to visitors since 1975.

PRESENTATION

Built by David and Alice van Buuren, this Art Deco villa reflects the influence of the Amsterdam School. Its refined interior, designed by Belgian, French, and Dutch decorators, showcases an exceptional mix of styles, with paintings, rare furniture, stained glass, and sculptures. Open to the public, this private museum is a true testament to the interwar period, embodying the van Buuren couple’s passion for art and culture. 

The listed, award-winning gardens extend over 1.2 hectares. Originally designed by Jules Buyssens, and later enriched by Alice van Buuren with the verdant visions of René Pechère. The six distinct spaces, from the Picturesque Garden to the Labyrinth and rose gardens… each bringing a unique touch to this magical place.

Built in 1900, the Roosenboom House is a remarkable Art Nouveau masterpiece in Ixelles. Designed by architect Albert Roosenboom, it stands out with its elegant façade and a stunning sgraffito by Privat Livemont. Classified in December 1981, it suffered from neglect for a long time. Between November 2022 and May 2024, its owners, who have been living there since September 2024, finally restored it.

PRESENTATION

The Roosenboom House, sponsored by Bernard Louis François Beeckman, highlights a refined architectural style. The façade combines blue and white natural stone, delicate wrought ironwork, and an exceptional sgraffito by Privat Livemont. This artwork, depicting the silence of the night with childlike figures and poppy motifs, is one of Brussels’ finest sgraffiti.

On the first floor, a gracefully curved bow window, intricate wrought iron details, and stained-glass windows enhance the building’s aesthetic harmony.

The second floor, predominantly featuring white bricks, includes a beautifully designed iron balcony that follows the curve of the bow window. 

At the top level, the façade is crowned by Privat Livemont’s sgraffito, a true artistic highlight seamlessly integrated into the architecture.

The work aimed, among other things, at restoring its original layout on the façade, with its access to a "car reserve", a fact that was quite unique at the time.

Located in Drogenbos, on the outskirts of Brussels, Château Calmeyn is a stunning example of 19th-century elegance and refinement. 

PRESENTATION

Designed between 1852 and 1853 by the renowned architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaar, it showcases Italian influences in Belgian neoclassical architecture. Originally known as Château Rey, it was passed on to the Calmeyn family at the end of the 19th century. Several members of this distinguished family left their mark on the history of Drogenbos as mayors.

Surrounded by a 33-hectare estate, once part of the Sonian Forest, the château offers a peaceful retreat steeped in history. The beautifully landscaped park invites visitors to stroll along shaded paths lined with majestic century-old trees, while a picturesque lake reflects the changing colours of the seasons. This enchanting setting preserves the charm of grand aristocratic residences of the 19th century, where nature and heritage come together in perfect harmony. A timeless escape just minutes from the city.

A masterpiece of Flemish Renaissance architecture, Grand-Bigard Castle is set within a magnificent 14-hectare park and encircled by a wide moat, enhancing its imposing presence. Owned by the Pelgrims de Bigard family since the early 20th century, it was restored by Raymond Pelgrims de Bigard, preserving this architectural gem for future generations.

PRESENTATION

The castle’s origin dates back to the 12th century when Almaric de Bigard ruled the estate. Over the centuries, it changed hands many times.

In 1347, a massive 30-metre-high keep was erected to reinforce its defenses. The main building, a stunning example of 17th-century Flemish architecture, stands out with its red brickwork, white stone window frames, and blue slate roofs.

A five-arched bridge, flanked by 17th-century heraldic statues, leads to the fortified entrance gate, a reminder of the estate’s defensive past. To the right, a beautifully preserved chapel reflects the site’s spiritual significance.

Architect Jean-Baptiste Dewin designed the Hôtel Riez, located in the Maritime District of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, between 1927 and 1928 for industrialist Joachim Riez, a specialist in construction materials.

The de Molinari family, who have owned it for over fifty years, has carefully preserved this magnificent Art Deco townhouse.

PRESENTATION

A true gem of Art Deco architecture, the Hôtel Riez embodies luxury and refinement. Its façade, blending white stone with warm-toned brick, is adorned with intricate wrought-iron railings featuring geometric and spiral patterns. Bay windows, decorative balconies, and stepped gables give the building an elegant rhythm. The main entrance, positioned on a corner and behind a small garden, is enhanced with sculpted bird motifs and ornate ironwork, reinforcing the house’s prestigious character. 

Inside, the decor is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, reflecting the close collaboration between Dewin and Joseph De Coene of the renowned ‘Kortrijkse Kunstwerkstede Gebroeders De Coene‘ in Kortrijk. The entrance hall impresses with its grey marble paneling, while every detail highlights an exceptional level of artistry.

Elegant marble and wooden panels frame the main staircase, crafted from finely carved wood. A striking Art Deco stained-glass window depicting a stylised fountain bathes the stairwell in soft light.

Upstairs, the reception rooms, including the lounge and dining room rival one another in refinement. Small floral stained glass windows adorn the windows, while the original parquet floors have been preserved. The fully preserved period kitchen completes this remarkable setting.

Nieuwermolen Castle is located in the peaceful Brabant village of Sint-Ulriks-Kapelle, about ten kilometres west of Brussels. Surrounded by water and lush greenery, this elegant country estate is currently owned by Viscount Marc de Ghellinck-Vaernewyck.

PRESENTATION

The estate’s history can be traced back to the 13th century, when a branch of the de Bigard family settled there. Over the centuries, the castle has undergone periods of destruction and reconstruction. 

Between 1596 and 1606, it was rebuilt by Louis Vereycken, a senior official of the Spanish Netherlands. Damaged by the assaults of Louis XIV's troops, the Anne family restored the castle in 1754, giving it its current classical style and designing its gardens.

Since 1910, the de Ghellinck-Vaernewyck family has owned the estate by heritage. In 1928, Viscount Marc de Ghellinck commissioned extensive renovations by architect Paul Saintenoy and landscape designer Louis Breydel.

The castle’s architecture blends medieval and classical elements, featuring an impressive fortified tower, charming small-pane windows, and beautifully decorated rooms with period furniture and tapestries. The dining hall boasts a set of 18th-century tapestries from Audenaarde depicting Don Quixote's adventures against a greenery backdrop.

The park has remarkable features, including an octagonal icehouse dating from 1836 and a rare North American sweetgum tree.

The estate’s historic watermill, which gave the property its name, remained in operation until World War II. While its machinery has been removed, the large waterwheel still stands as a reminder of its past activity.