«Transforming this family home into a guesthouse wasn’t just a project; it was about preserving a family legacy.»
I am Elise Degraeve, 36 years old, the fourth generation to care for this family estate. Our story here begins in 1927, when my great-grandfather settled on this land. Over the years, my family gradually acquired the parcels of this property, until the last one was purchased by my grandfather… on the day I was born.
Every corner of this house tells a story: the lives that have followed one another here, family memories, everyone's choices, and today I am the one who has the chance to continue this adventure.
«"Every stone, every molding, every room bears the imprint of my family. And it is this deep connection that fueled my desire to preserve this place."»
The project was born after my father's death. Selling this house, so full of history, simply wasn't an option. The desire to create a guesthouse came naturally: to share the place, to bring it to life, while keeping it intact.
Before starting the work — an interior renovation carried out over nearly two and a half years — we had prepared a business plan and requested quotes. But the pandemic disrupted budgets and prices: we had to review our priorities and learn to do a lot ourselves to complete the project.
I could talk about this house for a long time.
But sometimes, images and voice speak louder than words.
«Preserving this estate meant reviving our family history, while also opening it up to the world.»
Every choice was made to respect the spirit of the priory:
Preserve the history and architecture: do not touch the listed exteriors, preserve the moldings and original elements.
Renovate the interior gradually, giving priority to essential spaces.
Redistribute the pieces intelligently to create functional guest rooms while respecting the existing structure.
I chose every decorative detail myself: colors, wallpapers, antique and modern furniture, for a subtle balance between history and modernity.
Each decorative choice reflects my vision and the history of the house: between family memory and contemporary style.
Maison Prieuré is not just a place to visit, it is a legacy that I keep alive. Some rooms remain imbued with the presence of my dad and the memories of our family, and I wanted that connection to be tangible for me and for those who come here.
There are still projects to be imagined: a future wellness area, or a large room for workshops and seminars. But each step is designed to respect the place, its history and its soul.
Today, Maison Prieuré embodies this creation of a guest house conceived as a natural continuation of the family home.
«Transforming this family home into a guesthouse wasn’t just a project; it was about preserving a family legacy.»
«Preserving this estate meant reviving our family history, while also opening it up to the world.»
