Sous la Houlette is a little corner of paradise located in Villers-la-Ville, a 15-minute drive from Nivelles and 45 minutes from Brussels. It has three superb suites, a shared kitchen, and a large wellness area that can be entirely privatized, with a large jet pool and lava stone sauna.
Special offer
Mention Let's Go My Love when booking via our partner's official website and receive a complimentary bottle upon arrival. A calendar showing availability will be available soon.
If you book only the spa Voor een break overdag, the bottle is replaced by a pair of sandals per person. Tip: don't hesitate to ask for them on site, as Philippe, the owner, can sometimes be distracted.
Tip: Check-in is normally possible at 5 p.m., but you can try asking to check in at 3 p.m., especially on weekdays. This is sometimes possible, but not guaranteed, and you will need to be flexible about your choice of room.
Our on-site experience
We had the opportunity to visit the three suites and chat at length with the owner. He is a very friendly, sociable, curious, and meticulous host. He likes to take the time to personally welcome his visitors and share the pleasures and best places to visit in the region. He speaks perfect French, Dutch, and English.
We like the place because it's a little unusual and personal. Philippe attaches great importance to the calm and peaceful atmosphere of the place. He therefore prefers respectful guests who want to enjoy a relaxing stay.
Where does the name come from? First of all, a houlette is a shepherd's crook. The neighboring street is Rue de la Houlette. In addition, the suites and wellness area are nestled in an old Brabant farmhouse called "Ferme de la Houlette." The name was a no-brainer!
The 3 suites
Part 1 • Photo • Photo
Part 2 • Photo • Photo
Part 3 • Photo • Photo
Our favorite suite is No. 1, with its glass roof, private back terrace, and fantastic shower. No. 2 comes next, with its round bathtub and ultra-cozy sofa. No. 3 has the largest sofa and the largest shower. It’s located at the front with a view of the parking lot (a minor drawback). On the other hand, its southwest-facing orientation lets you enjoy stunning sunsets.
Depending on the suite you choose, you will have access to the following amenities: 50 m² room with king-size bed, bed linen, 50 m² private garden or terrace, beautifully chosen or antique furniture, private bathroom with bathtub or walk-in shower, towels, shampoo, shower gel, hairdryer, spacious living room, Smart TV with Netflix, kitchenette with refrigerator and coffee machine, tea, coffee, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi.
The private wellness area
When you stay here, you can reserve a slot in the wellness center. On the agenda: a heated pool at 32°C with massage jets and counter-current swimming, a lava stone sauna, a Finnish shower, comfortable deck chairs, and a south-facing outdoor terrace. It's well heated, cozy, and very pleasant.
You can reserve the space for a minimum of 1 hour and with no time limit. The price is €30 for 1-2 people for the first hour and €10 per additional person, with a maximum of 6 people. All subsequent hours are charged at €10 per hour per person. If all rooms wish to access the pool, the owners will arrange the slots so that everyone can enjoy it to the full.
Wellness facilities can be reserved privately, primarily by guests staying overnight. However, you can also reserve them privately without staying overnight. This is possible upon request.
Dining options
Option of a classic, hearty, or even very generous breakfast.
Remember to book at least 12 hours before your arrival. Your order will be delivered to the spacious shared kitchen, and you can enjoy it wherever you like.
If you prefer to eat out, we recommend Squisitoo, a five-minute drive away. It's a very good Italian restaurant. Try the delicious Pasta Cacciatore with crispy bacon, crunchy walnuts, melt-in-the-mouth portobello mushrooms, and golden pearl onions... all flambéed with cognac and deglazed with mild blue cheese! The pasta carbonara is also to die for.
Any other ideas? We like the great atmosphere at Le Bistrot du Cercle, a 10-minute drive away. It's an unusual, welcoming place. The hosts are really friendly. Small menu. Concerts and theme nights.
A quiet spot
Sous la Houlette is located in the small, historic, and peaceful town of Villers-la-Ville. You are a 5-minute drive from the train station (Philippe can pick you up if you arrive by train) and 20 minutes from Charleroi Airport.
The exact address of the location is Chemin de la Vallée in Villers-la-Ville (Sart-Dames-Avelines). On the way down, you will see the porch of Ferme de la Houlette on your left, at number 9. Enter the courtyard and exit through the gate opposite. Before the meadow, turn left at number 19A. Sous la Houlette is a little further up, about 50 meters away. The parking lot is located between the two buildings.
Electric bikes can be rented upon prior request. Numerous walks and bike rides are possible.
Renowned for its majestic abbey, one of the most impressive monastic ruins in Europe, Villers-la-Ville charms visitors with its medieval heritage, lush green landscapes, and romantic atmosphere.
This blog brings together more than 350 romantic and unique destinations in a one-of-a-kind collection. These might include a hidden hotel or a cabin by a lake, for example. Add Let's Go My Love to your Google bookmarks or follow us on Instagram if you enjoy this content. We're so happy to have you here — From Pauline and Sébastien.
Mention Let's Go My Love when booking by email or phone and receive complimentary sandals if you come Voor een break overdag a complimentary bottle for an overnight stay.
No, animals are not allowed.
There are three suites, each with its own unique decor. A shared kitchen is available if you want to cook, for example.
Check-in is normally possible at 5:00 PM, but you can try to request a 3:00 PM check-in, especially on weekdays. This is sometimes possible, but not guaranteed, and you must be flexible about your choice of room. On the day of departure, you can check out until 10:30 AM.
Rates start at around €200 per night for two people. The rate decreases starting with the second night. Access to the wellness area is optional.
Yes! It is possible to privatize the wellness area Voor een break overdag .
Yes, absolutely. Classic or gourmet breakfast, brunch, appetizer platter, or cocktail reception: anything is possible. All gourmet extras are provided by Nomad Food by Gwendolina catering (2 min walk), which offers 100% homemade, creative cuisine made with fresh, local, and seasonal products.
Yes. When you stay here, you can reserve a slot in the wellness center. It features a 32°C heated pool with massage jets and counter-current swimming, a lava stone sauna, a Finnish shower, comfortable deck chairs, and a south-facing outdoor terrace. It's well heated, cozy, and very pleasant.
No, the venue is exclusively reserved for adults over the age of 18.
