A view of the water was the decisive factor when “skipper” Willem Stellamans found a new home in Ghent. We took his dated flat in hand, with a creative nod to his sailboat. To make the most of the 100-square-metre area, the flat was completely redesigned.

The 1930s building preserved many authentic elements, such as the fireplace, the parquet and even an original newspaper page from 1943 hidden under a thick layer of wallpaper, only the layout was out of date. Where the kitchen used to be, a spacious bathroom with dressing room was created and the old bathroom was turned into a double bedroom cabin. The kitchen became the heart of the place located in the hallway.

“‘The wooden interior not only creates a warm, cosy atmosphere, but also brings peace into the house. There is cupboard space provided everywhere, even the desk and the sofa were included in the design. I hardly needed any furniture when I moved in. In this flat, everything is convenient and flexible.

The renovation largely passed me by as it coincided with the filming of the first season of ‘across the ocean’. I had no trouble letting go of the project. The design was completely fixed and all the details had been discussed. I also had full confidence in Eva from Anto Loua, who followed everything up in my place.”

– the owner