Situated among vast fields, quiet sheep herds and slow morning sun in Belgium, a heritage structure has been restored into a newly opened B&B with a beautiful Vipp kitchen. Aptly named The Bunkers, the impressive structure which was originally a fort for Belgian soldiers in the late 1700s, has been completely renovated by a Belgian family with a love for architecture.
Living close to the property as a child, Axel De Bisscop was drawn to the brickwork and scale of the buildings. His dream of one day living there came true when years later, as luck would have it, it went on the market. Six years on, The Bunkers now consists of a main house and barn in the original materials, with a wooden extension hosting the bed & breakfast. The incredible transformation carried out by Architectuurburo Govaert & Vanhoutte even includes an under ground tunnel that runs between the main house and the pool and sauna. 2.5 metres tall from floor to ceiling, the tunnel is situated below the B&B to avoid the freezing cold in the winter time.
The remodelling of The Bunkers has been carried out with great respect for the original architecture and history of the buildings. The original flooring found in the old barn is made from concrete mixed with large rocks. I love that these carry through to the B&B, with the bathroom sinks made from the same material.
Axel and Margaux, who live in the main house with one year old daughter Maxyne, wanted the kitchen to be their favourite room of the B&B, a place their guests could really enjoy. Opting for a stunning kitchen in black powder-coated steel from Danish brand Vipp, they are thrilled with the results.
‘We have acquired quite a few Vipp products over the years, and one day we were browsing across Vipp’s website and discovered that they not only make products for the home, but they also make an entire kitchen!’, says Margaux. ‘We really fell in love with the industrial look of the kitchen, and when we experienced it for the first time in real life, we could see that it was also very robust. Which is important when used in a professional context such as a B&B". Wanting their guests to actually use the kitchen every day rather than it just being there for show, the couple have certainly made the right choice. There is something very appealing about the functionality and sleek aesthetics of a Vipp kitchen that make you want to jump in and experience it for yourself.
The black kitchen was an ideal match for the concrete details of The Bunkers, and the modular concept of the Vipp kitchen made it possible for Axel and Margaux to choose a configuration that matches the needs of hosting a B&B.
The B&B offers five rooms for rent and is indeed an opportunity to explore the unspoiled nature of Belgium. The area around the The Bunkers is a protected bird sanctuary, which allows for unlimited explorations of the nature and wildlife. ‘We imagined The Bunkers as an exclusive retreat, where you can recharge your batteries. We wanted to offer the complete package; you can relax, explore, swim and socialise. Everything is available within our 250m2. And you can eat your breakfast to the view of fields and sheep, what more can you wish for?’ says Axel. All while getting to experience the Vipp kitchen everyday. I'm sold!
Architect: Benny Govaert, Architectuurburo Govaert & Vanhoutte
Interior designer: Kristof Goossens, Anversa Architecture & Development
Interior designer: Kristof Goossens, Anversa Architecture & Development
Images courtesy of Vipp