"Vertrouwen" The 111 year old Dutch Barge.

"Vertrouwen" 'Trust' was built in Harlingen, Netherlands in 1913 as a commercial sailing ship, carrying 'turf' (Peat), bricks, potatoes and anything that was required.  She had one huge mast and possibly a smaller steadying sail at the stern.
The bow shape of this ship is unusual and is the shape determined by the shipyard in Harlingen.  Very few ships were built there before the 1st WW and a different company took over after.  The ship is known as a 'Slofe Aak'. ('Slipper ship')
The mooring is at the edge of the village of Ladeuze in a very peaceful rural area.  Access is through the 'Halte Nautique'.
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Please note, for your own safety, that the ship is ready to cruise and has all the gear required positioned around the ship.   The helm position is in the wheelhouse and should not be disturbed.
The kitchen/galley includes the gas oven with for gas rings above. An under worktop refrigerator, sink and bins for different grades of refuse.  All pots and pans are provided, as are plates and cutlery etc.
These are the main access stairs from the wheelhouse down to the main living area of the ship.   Care should be taken at all times.  There is a smaller emergency escape ladder in bedroom 3 towards the front of the ship.
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Bedroom 1 is simply one large double bed hidden behind a thick privacy curtain..  A hanging rail and drawer space is available right across the aisle.
The bathroom contains the usual facilities of toilet, basin, bath tub and shower.   The tub would possibly be useful for a baby bath...not general use. There is a washing machine.  (Drying rail in the saloon.) Blown air heater.
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Bedroom 2 has a single bed with storage beneath and to one side. Heating is provided by a blown air system shared with the bathroom.
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Work space. Emergency exit to the fore deck.
This room has a sofa bed which is very comfortable.  The room is divided from the saloon by large thick curtains.   There is an antique writing desk in the room that can be used for remote working etc.
The washing machine is for 5KG loads.  Powder is provided. Drying rail is in the saloon.
Bedroom 3 has a very comfortable double sofa bed, hardwood floor an with inset Moroccan carpet.  There is storage and a hanging rail in the adjoining tiny room.   There is a library of  books in English.   The space also has an antique work desk.
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The saloon has an old world charm!!  Oaken floor, leather sofas...antique table and chairs... An opening skylight and as soon as you enter you are surrounded by intriguing paintings, sculptures and ceramics.  The stove is the main source of heat.
Moving forward leads to the third bedroom which has thick privacy curtains between the two spaces.  Antique oriental rugs are underfoot.
The illuminated pathway to the ship.
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25

"Vertrouwen" The 111 year old Dutch Barge.

5 Guests
3 Bedrooms
1 Bathrooms
DF
Verified

Hosted by Domaine de Rochebonne F.

Member since December 2025

About this property

"Vertrouwen", moored on the Blaton/Ath canal, close to the beautiful Chateau Beloiel, only 15 minutes to the famous zoo, Pairi Daiza. The fabulous Pays des Collines is 30 minutes and the historic city of Mons 30 minutes. This beautiful old Barge is comfortable and spacious, featuring a saloon/dining, large kitchen, seating/dining on deck, and comfortable bedrooms. Usual facilities with shower and washing machine. Not suited disabled. No freezer. Dog allergy potential. A work in progress.
My name is Andrew and I look forward to welcoming you to my 111 year old Dutch barge. I rebuilt "Vertrouwen" around 12 years ago and have been refurbishing ever since. The ship has been my art studio and my artworks of various kinds are on display. It's a quirky space, clean and tidy and of quite generous proportions internally. There's everything you need to enjoy your stay with comfortable bedrooms, studio/workspace available...a large kitchen which has everything needed for the creation of all your meals.
You will find that the "Vertrouwen is a ship that is ready to navigate the canals of Europe so please bare in mind that the equipment and controls necessary for this are present. Please also be aware that a ship of this kind is entirely different in many ways to a house and care and attention must be paid for your safety. This is especially so for children.
Guests are welcome to use the upper deck and wheelhouse, all the below deck rooms, but not the engine room at the rear of the ship nor the foc'sle at the front of the ship. Please note that the mooring is around 100 m from the parking area. There is a luggage trolley provided.
I will try to be available for your arrival and I will try to be available by telephone at all times. If there is an urgent matter requiring assistance to do with the functioning of the ship's services I will provide the number of a local contact who may be able to assist. There will be a book on board listing all the services on board ship, how they work..!! This book will also contain all the different local sites you may find interesting to visit and other information in several languages.
Parking is available for two vehicles just off the road "Grande Dreve". Other parking is possible close by. The ship is moored around 100m from the parking area. There is a luggage trolley available at the ship. I regret the ship is not suited to wheelchair uses or those who may be more than moderately disabled. Care must be taken on board ship, as the decks are not level, are narrow in places and especially care must be taken if you imbibe alcohol. Safety equipment is available, life vests, ropes, first aid, fire extinguishers, alarms etc. Recreational drugs are not permitted. No loud parties permitted. It is not permitted to swim in the Belgian canals. Please do not attempt to launch the 4m boat from the deck under any circumstances. No naked flame torches, candles or flame devices (other than the cooker) permitted below deck. The barbeque and the firepit should only be used on dry land. (No firewood or charcoal is provided.)
  • Common

    • Bed linens
    • Indoor fireplace
    • Washer
  • Kitchen

    • Dishes and silverware
    • Kitchen
    • Oven
    • Refrigerator
    • Stove
  • Home Safety

    • First aid kit

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Hosted by Domaine de Rochebonne France

Member since December 3, 2025

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You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

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Moderate

Guests can cancel up to 5 days before check-in and receive a full refund.

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Pets: Not Allowed

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