First, the basics: this is a beautiful, comfortable, impeccably appointed and spotlessly clean apartment. Two levels, two bedrooms, two living areas, views for the ages, a huge, well-appointed kitchen and dining area--great for a couple (us) or a big family.....this is one of those truly amazing places, where you feel, every minute, that you are in someplace wonderful. Nothing ordinary, or rote, or that feels you could be anywhere, really, for even a moment of your stay: just look out the window....
The intangibles. The apartment sits in the shadow of the historic, transcendentally beautiful Cathedral of Our Lady, and I cannot overstate the magic of that. Views from the hall, kitchen/dining area, the upstairs living room, and. perhaps best of all, from the terrace. The listing photos show it, but you cannot imagine it, until you are there in that place. It's simply a once in a lifetime place to be. We loved it. The upstairs bedroom, with it's magnificent views of the cathedral, and it's stunning historic beams, will take your breath away.
The other view is of Groenplaats, the wonderful square which can be, yes, full of tourists, but early in the morning, you can watch the school kids at play, people heading for work, delivery trucks out. There is community there. When the windows are open, you can hear the bustle and clamor of the patrons of the restaurants downstairs, but it's amazing how quiet it is when those windows are closed.
The apartment is so centrally located, it's close to trams, taxis, popular streets of restaurants and bars, but take just a few turns, and you are in cool areas with interesting shops and few tourists. Great places to explore.
Full disclosure: I caught a cold on my way to Belgium, and was under the weather for most of my visit. Some of our planned day trips had to be cancelled. Thing is, the apartment itself WAS the trip, and that made it perfect. Every moment, the sense of being in Antwerp, part of something so special, was evident. Most travel, you can recall a decent hotel, a bad hotel.....this place really became our trip, and it was unforgettable.
Finally, Rebecca and her boyfriend Maartin. What a great couple. I haven't mentioned the stairs to the apartment. (These comments aren't to make you worry about the stairs--they are fine for the marginally able bodied) but rather to describe how accommodating and just NICE the hosts are!) There are two fairly standard flights of wooden stairs, with railings. The third is this fantastic historic spiral wood staircase--very sturdy, but takes a little getting used to. (My husband is 69, in average condition for that, was a little nervous, but we did fine.) On check in, Maartin brought the bags up for us: so kind, and helpful. Strong too! And we managed fine on check out. They were delightful people, with lots of great suggestions for coffee, restaurants, markets and the most beautiful grocery store I've ever seen! (Seriously. Beautiful.)
It was an enchanting stay, in every way. Thank you Rebecca and Maartin! We can't wait to come again. If you can't already tell, highest recommendation from us.