The most beautiful city garden in the Benelux is in Bruges

Bruges, Belgium

At home

Wide view of a walled city garden with a rectangular pond beside a patio with a white table and large parasol.

This stunning city garden in the heart of Bruges snagged gold at the Hoog Design Awards for Best City Garden! And we have to admit, we’re completely smitten with the lush greenery, charming pool, and vibrant array of flowers and trees. A true urban oasis!

Behind an impressive façade in lively Bruges lies a true ‘urban jungle.’ On a relatively small footprint, the landscape architects from Monbaliu worked with water and greenery to create a space brimming with experience and enjoyment.

A prior renovation expanded the living area with a large glass façade facing the garden, which established the sightlines and geometric design of the new terrace and swimming pond.

The open, sleek design allows a clear view to the very back of the garden. To the right of the terrace, mysterious stepping stones invite you to follow the path through the borders. This path winds along the swimming pond, meandering between lush clusters of flowers and plants, leading you to the original workshops at the rear of the property.

Wide daytime view from under a glass canopy looking across lawn, pond, and planting beds toward the patio.
Twilight view from the far end of the pond looking toward the patio, framed by tall grasses and trees.
Evening garden path view with stepping stones bordered by flowers and a soft pool of light across the walkway.

The deep green oasis radiates relaxation and forms a harmonious whole with the clean lines of the terrace and the natural swimming pool. Yet, the plants in the borders and natural joints are given all the freedom to grow organically across the stepping stones and straight concrete edges.

The Pantagruel picnic table and Inumbra parasol take center stage in this ‘urban retreat.’ With a supporting role for tapas, cocktails, and a gentle breeze, a fantastic story is sure to unfold. And when night falls, the garden transforms into a magical setting, thanks to cleverly integrated lighting. It truly becomes an evening straight out of a fairytale, set in medieval Bruges.

Rear view of the house facing the garden, with the pond in the foreground and patio seating under a parasol.
Closer evening view of the table and parasol beside the pond, with warm light spilling from the house.
Wide shot of the house facade and glass canopy, with the pond reflecting interior and garden lighting.

The Pantagruel picnic table and Inumbra parasol take center stage in this ‘urban retreat'

Medium evening shot of the parasol and table beside the pond, with foliage softly blurred in the foreground.Detail of paving stones set in sand with adjacent concrete, showing planted joints and small groundcover.Dusk view focusing on the pond itself with plain grass in the foreground and trees in the background
Garden path of stepping stones leading through dense flowering plants toward an arched structure in the background.Dusk view focusing on a tree and shrubs beside the pond, with a ground spotlight illuminating the trunk and leaves.Close-up of the terrace edge showing an integrated linear light strip beneath the concrete step.

© Pictures by Annick Vernimmen
Landscape architect: Monbaliu

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Pantagruel

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