B&B 't Zwaluwnest

It’s a lovely place to unwind: the farm sits among fields, with no nearby roads, and has a small vineyard where Bart makes his own wine. The kids enjoyed the playground and indoor pool, while the garden has quiet corners to sit in. We came as seven adults and four children, from two months to eight years old, and stayed for two nights. The renovated Flemish farm has a farmhouse feel with a charming African touch, and it’s well placed for exploring the hills and sights around Heuvelland. Our rooms were casual and fine, and the service was excellent. Bart and Razade are warm, helpful, jovial hosts. Breakfast was generous, varied, and full of homemade bread and other products. We also ate dinner there; the food was delicious, good quality, and carefully prepared. We later learned Bart is a chef and teaches at a good hotel school. We slept very peacefully and enjoyed a couple of calm days here. Many thanks to Bart and Razade!

The early breakfast by the huge fireplace was a lovely way to end our stay. Bart had lit it for us, and we enjoyed homemade bread and jam, apple juice, local products, and fantastic coffee as the sun came up. We’d arrived after three long days travelling from Latvia with our two cats, on our way back to the UK for a new military posting. As soon as we pulled in, we could tell this was going to be a treat. Bart and his wife were welcoming and accommodating, and having the cats in our room was no problem. We’d asked about dinner in advance, not yet knowing Bart is a wonderful chef who teaches at the Flanders culinary arts centre, in the former Three-Michelin-Star restaurant 'De Karmeliet’ in central Bruges. He was teaching early the next morning, so dinner wasn’t possible on this visit, but we’ll be back to try his cooking. Our apartment was a comfortable place to relax with cheese, bread, wine, and happy cats. My husband, a British army officer, was fascinated to hear that the farm had served as a British command post in WW1. Bart showed us interesting artefacts he’d found in the fields, and now we’re keen to return for battlefield tours. We can’t recommend a visit to Bart and his farm and vineyard enough.

Fields surround this peaceful, relaxing spot in West Flanders. The host and his family were very friendly, and we received a lovely welcome. The rooms are nice, and there’s a large hall for groups, with its own industrial kitchen and bar.

We felt at home thanks to the really nice people here, and loved our stay. The B&B is in an area with a fascinating history, and the building itself is part of Belgium’s history too. I can recommend it.