During this year’s visit to the art fair TEFAF in Maastricht, I had the pleasure to visit Axel Vervoordt’s private castle in s’Gravenwezel. We had the pleasure to meet his lovely wife May and were shown around in the castle, which actually also is their home, by an arts historian who is working for his company. Even though we did not visit all of the 50 rooms (some are kept private) it was a highly inspirational visit. The decorations, the colours, the mix of new and old, the pieces of art in each room create an indescribable atmosphere. His principles of decoration which include the combination of the inside and outside, usage of local materials as well as the concept of the wabi sabi (to make it simple imperfection), are truly lived. Twice a year the castle can be visited during the so called open deur dagen (open house days) this year from November 25 – 27 and December 2 – 4, 2011. If you happen to be in Belgium or Holland, I highly recommend a visit to anyone who is interested in antiques, arts or interior design.
