Editor Pick
Gastenhuis Het Wit Beertje
- January 6, 2002
- Rated 4 of 5 by
Irene from Flora,Ms., Mississippi
Hop on bus #5 at the train station, hand the driver your written adress, let his son tell him where your stop is and get off at the corner of Beerstraat, walk down four doors and ring the bell at #4. Jean-Pierre Defour will answer the bell and will be your host for your stay. A pleasant gentleman with an eager desire to please.
As we trudled down the stairs from the foyer to the sitting room we realized this was a residential house turned Bed and Breakfast. As are most houses here, reminding us of the closeness of Belgium and The Netherlands, this one went straight up, only two rooms to floor and the lot went straight back only as wide as the house. Our room on the second floor, no lift, was snug but comfortable with double bed, table, chairs, cabinet for the clothes and a miniature bathroom, but it was all there and all close at hand, sink, mirror, toilet and skinny shower, all sparkling clean with lots of towels. As we entered the door at the top of the second set of stairs our door opened to the left and the bathroom was immediately on our right. A few steps more and we were standing with the cabinet for clothes on the left and the double bed on the right. Just past the end of the bed was a large square window opening from the left overlooking the small garden. We could not open the window and walk passed the end of the bed at the same time. Past the window in the corner stood a brightcloth covered table with chairs and fresh flowers. Like I said snug, but overall pleasant. You are given your own key to the front door and your room and as this a residential house we had to remember it was like walking around and visiting in someone''s home, so quiet was expected after 11:00 P.M. How ever the hospitality was not lacking, our host presented us with all the information for touring the town with brochures, maps, and phone numbers.
The best was the next morning, as he greeted us with a feast for breakfast in his small sun room off the kitchen, cozy and warming. He offered sweet rolls, yogurt, fresh fruit, eggs, cheese, milk, tea coffe, hot chocolate, three kinds of bread, butter, homemade jam, and cold cuts all with his charming manner even though he spoke very little English. He and a friend helped with the our laundry and gave us a lift to pick up the rental car. Upon request Jean-Pierre will serve you a drink, wine, beer in the garden behind the house complete with fish pond and rock garden.
From journal Bustling Bruges