Live in a Transformed 17th-Century Religious Landmark in Ghent, Belgium for €1.95M
Property Details:
Location: Begijnhofdries 39, Ghent, Belgium
Footprint: 3,261 square feet (three bedrooms, two baths)
Price: €1,945,000 (roughly $2,126,176 USD)
From the agent: "Behind the sublime, deep-red facade of this 17th-century beguinage, OLV Ter Troost is a super quiet île en ville (island in town). The corner house was meticulously converted into a luxury home by Elle & M’s Interior Design in 2015. Opposite the quiet Begijnhofdriespark, centrally located in the Elisabethbegijnhof. A matchlessly renovated and beautifully preserved beguinage from the 17th century, with all the luxury of today."
The renovated building dates back to the 17th century in the Old St. Elizabeth beguinage, a protected heritage site dubbed the Holy Corner in Ghent, Belgium. Flemish beguinages were developed as enclosed communities for religious women who were unmarried or widowed.
"The architectural and historical value of this house is invaluable," note current owners Ruben and Jelke, pointing to the home’s preserved original elements and central but quiet location. Local interior design office Elle & M’s completed the renovation of the three-bedroom, two-bathroom residence in 2015.
In the entry hall, an ornate, wooden staircase sits near a contemporary, steel-and-glass partition with a tall opening that leads to the main dining space.
A wood-burning fireplace framed by a wooden mantelpiece sits below detailed cornicing on one section of the dining room wall.
On the other side of the entry hall, a barn door made from glass and steel leads to the light-filled living area. Intricate detailing on the wall above the mantelpiece is flanked by open shelving.
A spacious desk area is situated just off the living room.
The fully equipped kitchen offers three sinks, a Lacanche stove, and concealed and open storage.
A staircase on one end of the kitchen showcases preserved, historic tiles that contrast the sleek, dark worktops and cabinetry, as well as the updated appliances.
An additional dining area connects to a courtyard garden via full-height, steel-and-glass doors.
The enclosed courtyard offers views of nearby protected heritage buildings.
A winding staircase leads from the ground level to the first floor, which houses two bedrooms and one bath.
Exposed ceiling beams and wooden floors continue into the bedrooms. Steel clothing racks hang above built-in benches with storage underneath.
The first-floor bathroom offers a shower and a double sink.
On the home’s upper level, the principal bedroom features multiple windows and an open wardrobe. The original wooden truss of the vaulted ceiling was maintained.
Steel-and-glass doors connect the bedroom to an en suite bath with a freestanding tub.
The principal bath also includes a spacious walk-in shower.
Begijnhofdries 39 in Ghent, Belgium, is currently listed for €1,945,000 (roughly $2,126,176 USD) by Charlotte Van Roy of Immodôme.
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