De Witte Lelie About

About De Witte Lelie

An boutique luxury hotel — eleven unique rooms, expressive interiors, and a quiet sense of luxury behind a historic façade.

Quiet Luxury, Tucked Away

Design that whispers: considered materials, generous fabrics, and light that shifts throughout the day.

Each room is composed like a small stage: layered textures, playful patterns, and pieces chosen with care. Creative direction is led by Ann Dierick — co-owner and founder of Animalick — whose approach is bold and expressive while remaining unmistakably Antwerp.

Breakfast in the dining room, a pause in the courtyard, and world class dining in our restaurant.

Townhouse detail

Underground Parking

Secure onsite parking beneath the hotel — €45 per night. Spaces are limited; please reserve in advance.

  • Underground, on the property
  • Direct access via the hotel ramp
  • Recommended to book with your room

Tip: add parking when you book to guarantee a spot.

Garden courtyard

Garden Courtyard

A quiet, leafy courtyard at the heart of the house — perfect for coffee, reading, or evening drinks.

Protected from the street and open to the sky, the courtyard is where mornings begin and afternoons slow down. In warmer months, it becomes an outdoor living room for guests.

Ann Dierick, Animalick

Designer Spotlight — Ann Dierick

Ann Dierick is the co-owner of De Witte Lelie and founder of Animalick. Her work is bold and expressive, rooted in Antwerp and shaped by a finely tuned sense of comfort.

At De Witte Lelie, Ann guides the creative direction and composes spaces with personality — confident pattern play, bespoke details, and a layered use of materials that feel as good as they look.

  • Approach: expressive palettes, tactile fabrics, generous proportions.
  • Signature: playful juxtapositions that remain deeply livable.
  • Focus: atmosphere, composition, and a guest-first sense of ease.

A Townhouse with a Story

De Witte Lelie is an amalgamation of three adjacent properties on Lange Gasthuisstraat, evolving across centuries.

1497
First mention of ’t Leliken (now De Witte Lelie) in a deed of sale — indicating 15th-century origins.
1605
Construction of the back house (today’s kitchen area) on the former yard with cistern, toilet, and stable.
1611–1617
Peter Coenraets acquires De Witte Lelie and adds neighbouring De Zwarte Arend — forming today’s lobby, courtyard, and breakfast room.
1947
No. 18 (Het Wapen van Spanje) is incorporated; the alley is closed; offices added with a translucent dome and a garage (today’s ramp).
1963
Further alterations; several offices removed to create an inner courtyard.
1984
The ensemble is listed as protected city heritage.
1992
Converted into a hotel by Dagmar Nitz-Bauer & Monica Bock with architect Bernard Coens. Matching stepped gable at No. 18; second stairwell; lobby opened; entrance & ramp to underground garage created; stair to first floor of Het Wapen van Spanje (now Room 1 & meeting room).
2008
Acquired by Bart Busschop. Interiors redone by designer Ann Dierick (Animalick).
Curiosities
In 1597 a sale was annulled over shared wall & gutter rights — early seeds of building law. The wooden spiral service stairs came from Parisian Haussmann residences. The fireplace and mirror in Salon 1 are recorded since 1742.

Gallery

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