Looking to discover the city of Antwerp? We’ve come up with a B&B with an Art Deco and vintage style that’s as beautiful as it is inspiring: B&B Expohouse, a Bed & Breakfast located in the heart of the “Expowijk” district.

This district was built on the site of the 1930 Antwerp International Exhibition, which commemorated Belgium’s centenary. After the exhibition, the site was converted into a residential area, where houses, flats and schools were built during the 1930s and 1940s.

Ilse and Jan’s B&B project

Since 2020, Ilse and Jan have been offering you a very warm welcome. They are always delighted to meet their guests and start up conversations with them to get to know each other. In addition, they are happy to give them the best tips and addresses for visiting Antwerp.

Before embarking on this B&B project, Ilse was a secondary school teacher. She loved her job and valued the contact she had with her students. Jan is a designer.

They live in the Expowijk district of Antwerp. In 2018, when the house next door to theirs was put up for sale, the question of buying it arose. At the time, Ilse and Jan didn’t have any specific project in mind, but they were attracted by the house’s atypical, Art Deco appearance.

The idea of creating a B&B came later. While retaining the characteristic 1930s style, Ilse and Jan have turned this modernist town house into a beautiful B&B where you feel welcome and at home.

The location as well as the name of the neighbourhood, Jan’s design skills and Ilse’s interest in others sum up their B&B project, which focuses on art, beautiful design, comfort and, of course, hospitality and a warm welcome.

Vintage and design

From a design point of view, most of the furniture and objects at Ilse and Jan are vintage. And nothing seems to be set in stone: Jan continues to find new things to decorate the rooms and shared areas of the Expohouse B&B. In fact, each room is very different from the others. Each has its own atmosphere and inspiration.

The Bed & Breakfast’s Instagram page says it all. We found it inspiring, pretty and stylish! Maybe it’ll inspire you to come and have a look around, and of course, take a city trip to Antwerp?

Why do we love this B&B?

At B&B Expohouse, what guests particularly appreciate is Ilse and Jan’s warm, personal welcome; the family atmosphere that reigns in the house; the decor, vintage objects and unusual architecture of the building; and the B&B’s location. And let’s not forget the most important thing: it’s a great place to sleep… Ilse and Jan have chosen to fit their bed with Kalani-home sheets. They even have had many positive comments about them!

Location

Expowijk is a quiet residential area. Its characterful architecture (from the 1930s) makes it a pleasant place to stroll, as it is a feast for the eyes.

In this old quarter of Antwerp, a 4 km walk links the most important points of interest in terms of architecture.

Also in the immediate surroundings of Expohouse are the halls of the Antwerp Expo and the Singel concert hall and art campus. The beautiful Middelheim Park (with the Middelheim Museum), Vogelzang Park and Den Brandt Park are all within walking or cycling distance of the B&B.

No doubt Ilse and Jan will be delighted to help you plan your day, or even your stay in Antwerp.

From a practical point of view: rooms, breakfast,…

B&B Expohouse has 5 bedrooms and a separate studio. Each of the rooms and the studio has its own private bathroom. Breakfast is served in the tastefully decorated lounge, which has a peaceful atmosphere and a view over the garden. The adjoining open kitchen can be used by guests. Ilse told us that this famous lounge is her ‘favourite’ place in the B&B, because of the serenity she finds there.

Contact details:

Address: Ryckmansstraat 1-3 – 2020 Antwerpen
Website: https://expohouse.be/
Email: hello@expohouse.be
Phone: +32 477 068 294 / +32 477 705 601
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