The ultimate relaxation in the Flemish Ardennes: Bed and Breakfast Het Stille Genoegen (Brakel)

In the midst of the rolling hills where the Flemish Ardennes meet the Wallonian Pays des Collines lies the charming Bed and Breakfast Het Stille Genoegen (English: The Silent Pleasure). The name gives away the main focal point of the hosts: to get their guests to enjoy the silence and the peace of the green surroundings as much as possible.

The old baker’s house and the many other building on the domain were renovated in about 18 years with great detail for the original character of the pieces. This resulted in a unique location where every piece of the houses, rooms and furniture has its own story.

FULL DISCLOSURE: we did not stay overnight in this B&B. Because we live close-by, we went for a delicious breakfast and took a look around the property. Any information on the sleeping aspect of this article is based on the many reviews found online and not our own experiences. We did not receive any kind of compensation for this review. However, this article may contain affiliate links. This means we receive a small commission whenever you purchase something through our links (at no extra cost for you!). You can find more information in our disclaimer.

The accommodation

B&B Het Stille Genoegen is a renovated farmhouse that offers three double rooms and a small gîte/vacation home. They are all situated around a fenced garden, which leaves plenty of calm spots to claim as your own without running into other guests.

Room 1: Verborgen Omgang

This charming room offers a sitting area and a bathroom downstairs, while you can find the bedroom upstairs on the mezzanine. The bathroom consists of a shower, toilet and sink. It’s also possible to have the sitting room transformed into another bedroom, allowing 4 people to stay in Verborgen Omgang. A TV, wifi and minibar are available for the guests.

The bed is a queen size and the quality of the mattress is great.

A night in Verborgen Omgang costs €155 (2pers), €200 (3p), and €230 (4p) a night. However, if you stay only one night, there’s an additional cost of €15. You may also request for package which costs €15 per person.

Room 2: Diepe gronden

This double room comes with a comfortable queen size bed (let the hosts know if you’d like a large double bed or two separate ones). The shower room offers a shower, toilet and sink and in the room, you can also find a TV, wifi connection and a minibar.

But the best part of the room is definitely the private terrace. Step through the large glass doors to your own outdoor spot and have a drink at the high table with bar stools. And for a truly romantic evening, ask for wood and build a fire in the firepit!

A night in Diepe Gronden costs €150 (2pers) a night. However, if you stay only one night, there’s an additional cost of €15. You may also request for package which costs €15 per person.

Room 3: Poort tot bezinning

The third mesmerising room offers 3 separate areas: a bedroom, a sitting area and a bathroom. In the shower room, you’ll find a shower, toilet and sink, while the bedroom comes with a charming and comfortable queen-sized bed.

The sitting area is the most complete one from the 3 B&B rooms. You’ll find a sofa and tv on one side and a large fireplace, a table and a kitchenette (with fridge, hob and microwave) on the other.

You’ll also find a rather large private terrace with table and chairs for your comfort. There’s an option to book this room without breakfast.

A night in Poort tot Bezinning costs €165 (2p). However, if you stay only one night, there’s an additional cost of €15. You may also request for package which costs €15 per person.

Vacation home: Huize Giselle

Huize Giselle is the most complete room you’ll find on the domain and offers you a sitting area, a kitchen, a bathroom and a bedroom. You have the option to book this gîte with our without breakfast.

The kitchen(ette) is quite complete with a sink, hob, oven, Nespresso machine, electric kettle and also offers kitchen utensils. Attached to the kitchenette is a small table with 2 chairs and in the other corner of the room, you can find a large sofa and a tv. You’ll also have a fireplace and wifi-connection in Huize Giselle.

Outside, you can find a covered terrace with 2 lounge chairs directly in front of the little house. And when you walk around the corner, you’ll find another private terrace for you to use, including a larger table with 4 chairs underneath a couple of big trees.

Both the bed and bathroom are upstairs and the former comes with a queen-sized bed and a small balcony.

A night in Huize Giselle costs €165 (2p) a night. However, if you stay only one night, there’s an additional cost of €15.

Breakfast

In B&B Het Stille Genoegen, a delicious breakfast is included in your stay. It is served in the renovated baker’s house, but if the weather’s nice, you’re free to take it outside on the deck to enjoy the sun, the donkeys and the views.

When we visited (in September 2020), Corona measurements were already fully in place, resulting in a wonderful breakfast brought to us at the table. Pre-Covid the breakfast was served as a buffet. During the most strict Covid rules (when restaurants are closed), breakfast is served in the room.

We were lucky to book on a sunny day and got to enjoy our breakfast outside in the company of the very sweet and playful house dog Bruno. The breakfast room is nicely decorated, but we loved it to be able to watch the beautiful surroundings while sitting in the sun. Also, we were the only ones sitting outside, which was definitely a plus since there were quite a bit of people having breakfast.

Host Lieselot spoiled us with lots of buns and special bread, viennoiseries, fresh orange juice, a meat and cheese platter, eggs the way we wanted them, yoghurt with granola, fresh fruits and homemade marmalade.

It was absolutely delicious and plentiful!

Breakfast is usually included in your stay. However, you can come and have breakfast if you’re not staying in Het Stille Genoegen or if you’ve booked a room without breakfast and decide you’d like it anyway. This will cost you €32.50 per person, €40.50 per person with a glass of sparkling wine or €45.50 per person with a glass of champagne, while kids (up until 12) pay €17.50.

On selected days, the hosts organise a brunch for both their guests and outsiders to enjoy. You’ll receive a variety of bread types, savoury dishes such as fish&chips, salmon, vitello tonnato, quiche etc and a selection of sweet desserts.

The brunch has a fixed price of €59 per person (small brunch). If you would like an additional glass of cava and oysters, it will cost you €85 (big brunch).

The location

The location of the Bed & Breakfast is unique in its silence – something that’s not so easily found in Belgium. A tiny street brings you to the domain and once you step through the gate, it feels like stepping into another world. It doesn’t matter where you look, all you see is grass and forest. The Livierenbos borders on the garden and other forests such as the Brakelbos and the Zwalmbronnen are close-by.

Het Stille Genoegen is situated in the Flemish Ardennes, but very close to the Wallonian Pays des Collines. Both regions are known for their lush hills and forests with a vast amount of walks and bicycle routes. From the B&B, you can easily start several of them. Bicycle and walking maps are available.

However, nature isn’t the only thing you could visit when you’re here. Day trips to Pairi Daiza (30′), Lille (55′), Brussels (60′) or Kortrijk (45′) are only a couple of the options.

Extra

The hosts offer additional services and activities:

• Packed lunch: €15 pp
• Electrical bicycles: €45
• Breakfast (buffet): €32.50 / €17.50 for kids under 12
• Brunch: €59 (small brunch) / €85 (big brunch: + cava & oysters)

Frequently Asked Questions  

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