Noble quarters: Château de la Poste

The bright blue sky was the majestic limit as we sped out of Brussels’ concrete jungle and onto the highway, direction Namur, to spend the weekend at the Château de la Poste, a recently opened “lifestyle resort” near the pretty Walloon village of Crupet. While the hotel – and its concept – might only be a few months old, the spectacular venue has already witnessed the passing of an entire century as the former home of Belgian king Leopold II’s youngest daughter Clémentine during the late 1800s.

In 1956, the property was acquired by the national post office, and turned into a holiday centre (known as Domaine de Ronchinne) for its employees. But with times a’changing, so were people’s travel habits due to plummeting airline prices. Cheap flights to far-flung destinations sounded the death knell for close-to-home package deals and eventually the golden age of the post office here came to an end last year when it was forced to sell off its 44-hectare estate.

The new owners are none other than the folks behind one of Europe’s most successful boutique establishments, the White Hotel on Brussels’ luxury mile Avenue Louise. Given the ultramodern style of their address in the capital, I was curious to see how hotelier Thierry Durand and his business partners had negotiated the historical site in rural Wallonia.

After heading up a tree-lined driveway we were greeted by the impressive sight of the castle set amidst splendid green parkland. Note that the parking-lot is about 200 metres away from the main entrance, something to bear in mind when you pack your suitcase.

As we dragged our bags towards the reception, we spotted a series of signs indicating bike rentals, a golf range, jogging paths, playgrounds and various other very active activities. Groups of tracksuit-clad people – predominantly families – wandered off in every direction carrying sports equipment. So this is where, we realised, the lifestyle resort concept comes from: the natural environment has been used to create a paradise for fitness fans and outdoor fanatics. But not, mind you, at the expense of chic interior design.

In fact, inside the austere walls, you’ll find contemporary art objects and furniture. From mirror ball lamps and inflatable Chesterfield sofas to plywood deer heads and golden leather seats, the building mixes traditional architecture and modern decoration. The same goes for the guestrooms furnished by famous Belgian label Marie’s Corner.

The hotel’s pièce de résistance is the spectacular terrace (above) offering sweeping views across the stunning valley, its crimson beeches and ponds. There are heaters and blankets provided to keep you warm even during colder weather. It’s a great spot to relax after dinner at the in-house Chez Clémentine restaurant where the focus lies on healthy cooking – although the extensive wine list can easily undo your good intentions.

Overall the Château is onto a winner with its lifestyleoriented philosophy. The interior has a touch of Alice in Wonderland about it and will fascinate even the most blasé traveller.  erhaps the only thing missing to round off an otherwise delightful experience is a swimming pool and spa complex. But maybe I’m just being a princess now.

25 Ronchinne, 5330 Maillen, tel 081 411 405; www.chateaudelaposte.be

This article first appeared in WAB magazine