74 city break

HE BULLEIN



July / August 2010

he heavy door glides open. Amarbled entrance hallway isetched with symbolic imageryo lions and bravery in battle.I step into a tiny elevator that’sbarely large enough or more than three people. It opens up into the penthouse suiteat Housestories, an aparthotel with just ve

rooms, created by Belgian business duo Isabel

Verstraete and Alexandre Pijcke. Isabel isrom Wallonia. Alexandre is Flemish. Te

pair have known each other or over 20 years.

Tey both have a background as reelancecommunication consultants and so brand-

ing comes naturally to them.

I wander around the spacious Art Deco penthouse. It measures 175 square metres.

A class apart

Who says you can’t fnd stylish and environmentally-riendly accommodation in Brussels?

Katy Holliday

checks into the city’s frst eco aparthotel and enjoys some home comorts with a clear conscience

Green decadence:above, the pent-house bedroomat Housestories;right, the adjoin-ing bathroom