B&B The Verhaegen
Aristocratic grandeur meets bold contemporary design — crystal chandeliers alongside framed modern art, canopy beds under high-paneled ceilings, and a fuchsia-pink suite named after a Belgian queen. This is very much someone's home first, a B&B second. Quiet evenings, no bar, no lobby bustle.
Book directly at theverhaegen.com for the best price — claimed up to 20% cheaper than OTAs, plus a complimentary welcome gift
Why It Matters
Formerly the winter residence of Count d'Hane Steenhuyse — key facilitator of the Treaty of Ghent — the property is one of Ghent's most celebrated architectural gems. The owners' careers as interior designers turned a derelict city palace into a singular personal statement that reads like a living design museum.
An 18th-century aristocratic mansion turned intimate B&B, run by interior designer couple Jan Rosseel and Marc Vergauwe. They bought the dilapidated 'Hôtel Verhaegen' in 2004, spent 18 months restoring it, and now live here while hosting guests across six individually decorated rooms and suites. The property is a classified historical monument, and it shows: 250-year-old rococo murals by Ghent painter Pierre Norbert van Reysschoot dominate the breakfast room, original marble fireplaces anchor the salons, and a manicured French parterre garden with a fountain-pond sits behind the carriage house.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Cosy Room
The smallest room in the house, but don't read that as a downside. Twenty square meters of carefully chosen decoration, soft carpeting designed specifically for the house, beautiful curtains, and marble accents. Ideal for solo travelers or couples who don't need space to rattle around in. Double bed, marble bathroom touches, all the core in-room tech.
Double · 20 sqm
Deluxe Room
Twenty-five square meters of contemporary elegance. Warm upholstery, a genuine mix of antique furniture and modern art objects, king-size bed. The Deluxe has its own private drawing room with desk, walk-in shower, double wash basins, and connecting room option. It's chic without being showy.
King · 25 sqm
Family Suite
A 90 sqm two-bedroom suite with a lounge in between. One room has a king-size bed, the other has two twin beds — so it works for families or groups of four. Four-poster bed, garden views, bathroom with double sink, free-standing bath, walk-in shower, and separate toilet. The same historic grandeur as everywhere else in the house, but actually practical for families.
King + Twin · 90 sqmPaola's Room
Named after Queen Paola of Belgium. Fifty square meters anchored by a daring fuchsia-pink palette against white wood paneling — a 1960s poster of pasta completes the look. Bold? Yes. But it works. King-size bed, private drawing room with desk, sitting area, and views of the inner garden. The garden-facing quietude is the real selling point.
King · 50 sqmSuite Atelier d'Arthur
The largest and most self-contained option at 90 sqm. A spacious lounge with dining and work area overlooks the inner garden, the separate bedroom has a king-size bed, and there's a kitchen for self-catering. Ideal for extended stays or those who want proper apartment-level space in a historic setting. Note: access to the bedroom involves a narrow spiral staircase — flagged by guests with mobility concerns.
King · 90 sqmSuite des Années '40
A 50 sqm romantic suite with a king-size bed plus a separate drawing room draped in contemporary red tapestries and sumptuous curtains. The palatial bathroom is the star — marble bathtub, retro taps, the kind of setup you linger in. Best for couples wanting maximum peace and quiet.
King · 50 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The property features rotating art on display throughout its salons and corridors, and some sources note designer items available for purchase on-site, consistent with the owners' design backgrounds.
The manicured French parterre garden with ornamental boxwood hedges and a fountain-pond sits behind the 17th-century carriage house. It's the social heart of the property in warm weather — guests can take breakfast out here or simply sit at sunset with a glass of wine. Utterly peaceful given the central location.
Hosts Jan and Marc — both career interior designers — can arrange private guided tours of Ghent's Flemish architecture and historic center. Best asked at the time of booking or check-in.
The grand salon and common drawing rooms are open to guests throughout the day — a mix of antique and contemporary furniture, crystal chandeliers, and original 18th-century architectural details. Hosts can arrange coffee, tea, or a gin and tonic in the evening. No dedicated bar service, but the atmosphere more than compensates.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
The property has no lift. The Suite Atelier d'Arthur also features a narrow spiral staircase to the bedroom. Not suitable for guests with significant mobility issues.
Available for children under 1 year at €35 per child per night.
Available for guests aged 2+ at €40 per guest per night.
Manicured boxwood parterres and a fountain-pond in a private inner garden behind the 17th-century carriage house.
Hard check-in cutoff at 9pm. No late arrivals possible. Notify hosts well in advance if arrival time is uncertain.
Private garages available approximately 50 meters from the entrance. Additional fee applies. Pre-arrangement recommended.
Jan and Marc's English Spaniel, Tombo, lives on the property. A delight for dog lovers; worth knowing about for those with allergies.
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