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Thursday 30 December 2010

play time



NOW I never thought I'd say this but... I would love for my friends and I to go back to school for a break.

I know. Not your typical idea of fun.

Though I suppose school's the wrong word. I’d like to go to class (excuse the American twang). Not just any class. But Le Classe. A wonderfully restored old village school in Belgium.



La Classe is one of two converted properties by Anne and Jean-Luc Laloux (the other being Les Duves, an open-plan gite not far from Brussels). They are architectural photographers who have travelled the world seeking exceptional homes designed by the best contemporary architects. The outcome of this has been a desire to "create beautifully appointed holiday accommodation which combines both the conviviality of group living with the aesthetic pleasure of great design."

With a home cinema, giant-games playroom, basketball court, Wendy house, table football and Wurlitzer jukebox you have the freedom to play like a kid again. Or even try your hand at playing 'grown-ups' in the underground bar, fantastic entertaining space upstairs and outdoor dining area complete with BBQ.  

Although its suggested use is one of work retreats and seminars, I propose an escape  with a group of friends - in the height of summer - to this idyllic getaway. A capacity of 21 ensuring that there would be more than enough room for everyone. 




With stocks of all the local wine, beer and edible delicacies that could possibly be acquired, a long weekend could indulgently be whiled away: lounging in the large garden, cooling off indoors, moving on from an evening BBQ to late night sounds of the jukebox in the basement bar, and finally flopping onto the crisp white sheets of a bed in one of the  immaculately finished en-suite bedrooms. 

And all this within a surrounding of sophisticated design that does not impose upon the rustic charms of the property - if anything effortlessly complementing them.

My one complaint would be a lack of pool. Though perhaps that would look a tad out of place when the property is in use for seminars and courses. 

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