'Everyday I write the book'
That’s how Elvis Costello describes and sings it...
And that’s exactly the spirit of this fantastic duplex apartment.
So if you fancy writing your book here… or rather prefer to explore Antwerp; this cosy birth nest is located in the very heart of historical Antwerp. Everything is in walking distance —if only... you manage to shut the door and leave your splendid spot behind.
'Op Den Spieghel’ is situated at just a couple footsteps from the Cathedral and Grande-Place; an area known as the ‘Manhattan of the 16th Century’.
Romantic gem in Antwerp’s historic city center
'Op Den Spieghel’ is a newly renovated, fully equipped rooftop aerie/loft with fantastic views out onto this beautiful city, often called the Manhattan of the 16th Century.
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This quiet, bijoux loft (65m2) is located just a few steps away from great restaurants and shops, the Cathedral and Grote Markt. There’s so much in town to explore, from the MAS museum to the fashionable 'ramblas' area... if only you manage to shut the door and leave this cosy nest behind.
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The building is secure and has a lift. The loft includes a fully equipped kitchen, a dining/living area, a toilet, a bedroom with new queen-sized box-spring bed and an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower.
Picture Gallery
Facilities
This bijoux loft has recently been completely and lovingly renovated, equipped with a selection of tasteful objects and appliances to assure you a comfortable and tastefully aesthetic stay.
The place is fully equipped for slow (and fast) cooks; fridge, induction cooking plate, combi-oven and all required accessories. Coffee lovers will appreciate a variety of coffee applicances. I provide mostly bio-organic products, including milk, coffee and teas. I also use biodegradable products when possible and recycle all plastic, paper and glass. The electricity is provided by renewable energy from biogas production.
Drinks
A bottle of wine and two beers are awaiting you at your arrival. Cheers!
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fully equipped kitchen is at your disposal. No breakfast, but coffee & tea are complementary.
Bed & Linen
The queen-size (160cm) box-spring is brand new, and made up with fresh linen.
Free WiFi
High speed WiFi / internet;
free of charge.
Outside Area
The 'Vleeshuis' area and the 'Scheldt' river banks provide fine public spots, suitable for a rest or a picnic.
Carpark
A public underground carpark is available. Entrance is just around our corner.
Bad & Towels
Bad-shower available. Fresh towels, shampoo and bath gel are complementary.
Details
'Op Den Spieghel': Entire apartment (4th + 5th floor) at your disposal- Elevator to the 4th floor - Stairway to 5th inside the loft - Accommodates 2 guests - 1 Bathroom (Bath/Shower) - 1 Toilet (separated) - 1 Bedroom with brand new queen-size box-spring matress - WiFi - TV, Sony PS2, DVD's, Games - Fully equipped Kitchen - Smoke detector - Carbon-monoxide detector - Fire escape map - Fire extinguishers - Fire escape stairway - Public car park (underground) around the corner - No smoking - No pets - No parties or events - Not suitable for children (0-12 years) - 2 nights mimimum - Check-in from 3PM – Check-out before 11AM.
Situating 'Op Den Spieghel'
‘Manhattan of the 16th Century'
‘Op Den Spieghel’ is located in the very heart of historical Antwerp; an area known as the ‘Manhattan of the 16th Century’.
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It's an ideal 'base camp' for any kind of expedition, job, or adventure: Museums, churches, art galleries, cafés, restaurants, coffee bars and a bunch of authentic shops are all within walking distance.
Our famous train station, the opera, various theatres, business centres, maker spaces, artist studios, university campuses, the art academy… even the Antwerp harbour is nearby —in case you’ve a job waiting there.
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So. Will you write your book at our gem?
History : the ‘Manhattan of the 16th Century'
'Den Spieghel' was the name of the housing complex located here since 1387. It was of course constantly rebuild through times.
The current building (called ‘Residentie Den Spieghel’) is part of a renewed area of the city (1977-88, Architect Groothaert), whereby this pioneering style of ‘social city renewal’ of the ‘Vleeshuis’ (meat market) area is considered as ‘exemplary restoration and rehabilitation of the inner city area’ and won the Europa Nostra price for Cultural Heritage in 1988.
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The street name ‘Braderijstraat’ goes back to the 14th century. It refers to the ‘braderijen’ or meat roasteries and pubs to roast the piece of meat one just acquired at the meat market in the ‘Vleeshuis’ around the corner.
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The Cathedral, the City Hall, as well as the Pagadder Tower and surrounding buildings are remainings of the 16th century building style. At that time, Antwerp became one of the busiest trading ports and most prosperous cities in the world; the ‘Manhattan of the 16th Century'.
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PS. Thanks to the Spanish Inquisition (...), all misfits moved their asses, intelligence and capital to Amsterdam to spark the Golden 17th Century...
And by extension they build Manhattan — New Amsterdam.
Your Host - Susha
