Jardin d'Ocq

This 19th century farmhouse tucked off a winding country road starts to unveil its delights when its wooden door creaks open onto a courtyard flanked by working and ornamental gardens. Your tri-lingual hosts Rachel and Steven have designed a haven that could not be more welcoming or gracious. Want comfortable nests for your pension holiday? A sheltered porch with table and chairs welcomes friends if you want to make a picnic of Belgian delicacies from regional shops. Chaises by the pool in the upper garden give you another view of the lovely farm. The dining room opens onto the kitchen garden rich with herb and fruit scents. You do know that a B&B includes breakfast, yes? Well, prepare for some seriously good eating. Fresh eggs with bacon or ham, homemade jams and honey from their own hives, fresh fruits and breads, just-squeezed OJ, brewed coffee from Rachel's bottomless carafe, and an entire drawer of teas. This is definitely the perfect way to start a day exploring Belgium. While the vintage setting in a working farm lets you drift away from today's responsibilities, the modern amenities are there, comfortable bed, spotless bathroom, TV, internet, and all. But please, do NOT waste this treasure by slogging on email from your office. Take a vacation, already! Relax and scritch the ears of Gala and Millie, the two gentle Weimar hounds who greet everyone, then wait expectantly for adoring pats. Use the heated pool. Hike the countryside or visit Pairi Daiza, a marvelous zoo with pandas and white tigers. Steven and Rachel can suggest all sorts of adventures for you. Then eat at any of the excellent restaurants in Belgium and see if any can touch the breakfast you had at Jardin d'Ocq!