From Ensor to Leopold 1er, the Queen of Beaches has inspired many personalities over time. Discover how Ostend remain today's seaside cool kid...
James Ensor used to say “Ostend is the perfect place to wander to through the mind”.
As Belgium largest coast-al outpost, Ostend offers a rare taste of Flemish seaside culture. Since the XIXth century, when it was praised by Europe’s aristocracy and Belgian royalty, visitors from all over the country flock to the sandy beaches and seaside promenade, while every corner of the told port town bears witness to its military and maritime past. Lively at any time of the year. Ostende has also learnt how to take care of its architectural heritage.
A successful conversion !
As Ostend sees its popularity growing, with a lot of high-end project developments rising from the ground up, some interesting existing buildings are also restored to their former glory, just like Villa Maritza. Others, like this one, are transformed into atypical spaces offering a multitude of living and working potentials.
Located on the historic site of the military hospital of Ostend, this former chapel on two levels develops a living area of 440m² which can be converted into a second residence or working space. Just a stone’s throw away from the city center, it also offers the luxury of being in the middle of the dunes, right in front of the seaside.
“For this project, it was very important to respect the cultural heritage and the old function of the chapel”. – Nick ERVINCK
On a lower level, a spacious invites to you trendy living spaces, a fitted kitchen with AGA stove, two bedrooms, one bathroom and a large terrace. Attention, was given to energy efficiency with high-end techniques and materials, good EPB/EPC scores, and indoor and outdoor parking spaces with charging point.
To the rescue of our heritage
Designed in 1885 by architect Antoine Dujardin in a Belle Epoque Style, the villa Maritza is a true architectural gem facing the sea. Constructed during a prosperous period when Ostend was as coveted as Venice, it was then saved from demolition in the 1980s by esthète Roland Laridon, at a time when concrete buildings were invading the coastline. Villa Maritza has since recovered its former glory thanks to a regained interest in patrimony and architectural heritage. A happy ending the likes of which we are always found of.
Enjoying an ideal location on Albert 1er Promenade, this gorgeous duplex penthouse is located on Villa Maritza’s second and third floors, offering a wide living area of ± 417m² and several terraces. Directly accessible via the elevator, the duplex opens onto the dining area and kitchen, which enjoy a full frontal sea view and terrace on all its width. In addition, an office/winter terrace comes with a balcony of ± 11m² at the back of the apartment.
The third floor accommodates a master bedroom with bathroom, dressing room and balcony, a second bedroom with dressing/sleeping area and bathroom. An attic of ± 107m² can be found on the fourth floor and completes the set. Thoroughly renovated and restored to its former glory, this stunning duplex in Villa Maritza is available for its first occupation after renovation.
