A small cobbled street will lead you to the entrance of a smart looking residence.  A modern four floor apartment with large windows that are sheltered in thick concrete walls.

The ground floor is home to a designers studio but the beautiful branding on the glass entrance door confirms you have arrived at Shelter 7.

Once inside, a black door that could well be a storage cabinet  opens up and takes you upstairs to the first floor of this secluded hideaway.

The wooden creaking floor make you tip toe at first, an invitation to take of your shoes and explore the place. Your eyes take in the height of room, the light that flashes in and the open staircase going up, there is more..

Before going up you can’t resist to take a seat in the window bench, overlooking a bamboo covered patio. Nestled in-between the old and new of this typical Ghent street.

Upstairs is an open-plan floor with a small but practical bathroom and all the toilet essentials. The beds are on the on the top floor which is kept simplistic yet comfy with crisp white bed linen.

Dark shutters keeps the light out but not the sound of the hustle and bustle of the city waking in the morning. It doesn’t matter because after a morning tea in the apartment and quick read in the designer books you are curious enough to go out hunting for what the village has to offer.

On Saturday, pick up a  fresh juice from the local supermarket around the corner, pass by coffee roaster ‘Or’ for a quick espresso and walk over to Superette.

Go here for everything bread, it’s excellent. Take your time and watch how this place is run by a team of people wanting you to have the best time. Mind you, the smell of the food makes you want to linger here all day.

Before you go, make sure to pick up a loaf to the apartment for the next morning, the bread will taste even better the following days.

Written by Valerie Kuster