Bed & Breakfast Pastorie Balegem, in the small village of Balegem, East Flanders, Belgium is a restored rectory full of design furniture with a minimal aesthetic (Eames and HAY) and a real hidden gem. Owner Mieke is a wonderful host and very welcoming. She knows how to treat a guest and can also share lots of local tips with you.
Downstairs is a lounge room with a fireplace in the adjoining room is a large breakfast table. Upstairs, on the first floor, you'll find three spacious bedrooms. The evening light through the windows on the wall of this classified monumental building is just magical. We stayed in room De Perre-Montigny, a double room with garden view. This bed and breakfast is an excellent choice for rest and rejuvenation. A real sanctuary.
Your Sunday morning is also a real feast. Make sure to bring your wellies for a beautiful autumn walk in the Belgian country side after. We did a 10,9km walk "along charming villages || langs charmante dorpen". There are endless options on routeyou.com/en-gb
Pastorie Balegem is conveniently located in the Flemish Ardennes situated in the triangle Bruges, Brussels and Ghent. A perfect escape for those visiting one of the cities or those longing for nature (me).
Scroll down to read more about the Organic Farm Shop or the Distillery Van Damme. It won't disappoint you. This is a match made in heaven and slow travel at its best. We had a wonderful stay at B&B Pastorie Balegem.
Address: Pastorieberg 2, 9860 Oosterzele, Belgium
Book your stay at Pastorie Balegem
Or explore more in the East Flanders travel guide
What to do in East Flanders
Restaurant De Soetekoeke - Around the corner from Distellery Van Damme. A picturesque location and a favourite in the area. The restaurant is great for a dinner or a Sunday lunch.
Issegem 14, 9860 Oosterzele, Belgium - desoetekoeke.be
Organic Goat Farm De Volle Maan - Organic Goat Farm, Cheese Shop and B&B in one. A great place to pick up some fresh cheese, dates, bread and organic wine for a pick nick.
IJshoutestraat 70, 9520 Sint-Lievens-Houtem, Belgium - en.devollemaan.be
Bistro/Café Oud Munte - A little surprise in this small village. Fully booked on a Saturday night, that tells you something. We had delicious dinner in a cozy atmosphere.
Munteplein 7, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium - oudmunte.be
Rijk Bos Bloemen - An organic flower farm. Great to pick your own flowers. You need a subscription service or you can buy a 30 euro voucher to pick 20 flowers. Therefore, make sure to book in advance.
Rijkbos 46, 9620 Zottegem, Belgium - rijkbosbloemen.be
Soshun - A concept store with clothing, jewelry, leather goods, crockery, gifts, stationery and a large selection of organic teas.
Groenlaan 11, 9550 Herzele, Belgium - soshun.be
Distillery Van Damme - What a feast! Cake, pancakes, tiramisu, served with coffee and typical locally artisanal brewed Balegemse jenever and / or advocaat (a traditional Dutch alcoholic beverage made from eggs, sugar, and brandy).The seventh generation is at the helm of this distillery since 1862.
Issegem 2, 9860 Oosterzele, Belgium - stokerijvandamme.be
Plan Bier - 12 cycling routes and 9 walking routes along more than 200 regional beer cafés and 40 breweries offered by Tourism East Flanders. A wonderful thing to do in the Belgian countryside.
Read more in the East Flanders travel guide