Engel & VölkersEngel & Völkers

Lifestyle

Modern white building with dark-framed windows against a blue sky with white clouds.

The penthouse, an original concept

It was in the 1920s, also called "the Roaring Twenties," that the concept of a penthouse first appeared in the cityscape. Penthouses, apartments occupying the area of the top floor of a building, were very popular in New York until the time of the 1929 stock market crash. Afterwards, penthouses became scarcer again, especially during World War II. In the 1950s, people put up towering buildings again, and at the same time luxury penthouses reappeared. To this day, these luxury apartments are in high demand, especially in the centers of major cities.

  • 7 min read
Visit The penthouse, an original concept
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Steven Beckers: A history of the Belgian pioneer of urban agriculture

At 58 years of age, the Belgian architect Steven Beckers is more active than ever before. After a successful career, he became one of the main advocates of the circular economy and the initiator of urban agriculture in Belgium. An architect out of the ordinary, this portrait shows a man concerned with the harmony between people and the environment around them.

  • 6 min read
Visit Steven Beckers: A history of the Belgian pioneer of urban agriculture
The Atomium in Brussels, Belgium, is a steel structure of nine silver spheres connected by tubes against a blue sky with clouds.

What the world owes to Belgium

Belgium has one of the most vibrant cultures of any European country. The country has been at the centre of important artistic movements since the Middle Ages and has also introduced many dishes and foods which are now a permanent feature of European culture. With a reputation as a country where one can enjoy the good life, each year Belgium attracts thousands of visitors and people who wish to settle. If you’re looking for a pied-à-terre in Belgium, Engel & Völkers always have a selection of offers you may find particularly interesting. And to give you a better idea of the contributions this small country has made in terms of its arts and cuisine, here is a list highlighting some of the most important Belgian innovations.

  • 8 min read
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Chocolate truffles on a white plate. Each truffle is in a white paper cup and topped with a chocolate curl. The plate is on a light brown wooden surface.

Belgian praline, a special sweetness

Of course, everyone knows about Belgian chocolate, which has a well-established international reputation. However, we tend to know rather less about Belgian praline which originated in Brussels, in 1912, and has become one of confectionery’s unmissable specialities.

  • 4 min read
Visit Belgian praline, a special sweetness
A smiling woman holds a green mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream and a chocolate bar. She wears a brown sweater.

Travelogues : The best places for hot chocolate in Brussels

After a busy day shopping or after a day of stressful and exhausting work, there's nothing better than treating yourself to a lovely hot chocolate. However, there are so many cafes lining the streets of central Brussels it is difficult to find one where you can be sure that its chocolate will be excellent. To be sure to find the best example of the drink that will make you sigh with nostalgia, and the perfect place to share a friendly moment with those who, big or small, accompany you, we are going to share our favourite addresses with you...

  • 4 min read
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Engel & Völkers Belgium

Chaussée de Waterloo 1173

1180 Uccle, Brussels

Tel: +32 2 880 40 21