The Secret Garden
The Secret Garden
When a dream turns into reality
The Secret Garden is an exclusive mansion located in the historical city center of Bruges. On the most beautiful picturesque canal "Groenerei".
Explore the splendor of the city and unwind in our beautiful landscaped garden with heated outdoor swimming pool or enjoy a hot tub in the welness room with an original fireplace.
The Secret Garden
Origins
The Secret Garden
The Beversluys Mansion
The Beversluys Family has been significant in the city of Bruges , notably around 1700.
At that time Sir Frans Beversluys ( Treasurer of the courthouse of Bruges) and his wife , Maria-Magdalena van Westveldt lived in a magnificent “Mansion” – dated 1692 – located at Predikherenstraat 25.
This monumental house still exists.
The Secret Garden
The Beversluys Backyard houses
In 1714 , at the back of their house’s garden they endowed a “Godshuis” which is called “ Het Pelikaanhuis” , situated on the Groenerei .
The endowment allows widowed women without financial means to live the last part of their lives in this house, for which privilege they are in turn expected to pray for Frans & Maria-Magdalena.
The “Pelikaanhuis” still operates nowadays on the proceeds of that endowment.
The Secret Garden
De Katte van Beversluys
After her man died in 1717. She offred a Treasure by the name of “ De Katte van Beversluys”
in 1725 to the Church of Our Lady in Bruges. It’s considered the most valuable of all of Belgium’s monstrances. At 64 cm height and a weight of 3 kg with several hundred diamonds and pearls it represents a significant monetary value, but the real worth is the work of Art, made by Jan Beaucourt.
The Secret Garden
The legend of this lavish donation
The beloved cat of the widow one day ran off, bedecked with the equally beloved jewelry of the widow. She is supposed to have sworn to donate the jewelry to the church, if both cat and jewelry returned safe and whole. Eight days after her loss, the cat returned with all of the lady’s jewels. Fact is, sets out the donation, sums up the exact amount of pearls, diamonds, gold necklaces, etc. Details that Jan Beaucourt made it into a monstrance.
Nowadays this church treasure is kept out of the public eye. It has been exhibited only twice in 1930 and 1950.
The Secret Garden
And Rebirth
The Secret Garden has been restored in 2015 and transformed into a luxury Guesthouse by the family Valkenburg
To keep the authenticity and old charm of the building, they restored with old building materials from all over the world.
The Secret Garden is decorated with luxurious furniture, sumptuous fabrics and authentic antiques which make you feel at home.
Experience the charm of the past and the luxury of today.
The Secret Garden
Piece of Heaven
The Secret Garden
Relaxing moments
Far away from the busy hunted life. Relaxing in the hot tub with customized music and burning fireplace
Here at The Secret Garden your favourite pastime will be daydreaming
The Secret Garden
Haven of peace
Enjoy on a sunny day from your lounger by the heated swimming pool of a glass of champagne. Whereby your eyes will be caressed by the beauty of the landscaped garden and where the whistle of the birds sounds like music to your ears.