Ferme de Linciaux

THE STORY? All on their own in the middle of the countryside, Marie-Catherine and Nicolas le Hardÿ pitched up their Ferme de Linciaux on the outskirts of Ciney: it’s a small corner of permaculture paradise, complete with Charolais cows, Ardennes Foxhead sheep and Malines hens. The married couple also had the brilliant idea of building a charming little garden cabin (waxed concrete floors, brick- and wood-clad walls, huge windows, a cute little kitchenette) in the Condroz countryside, which always keeps its promise of the sweet country life: wake up to the sound of birdsong in a wonderfully soft bed; tread on the fresh, crisp grass after an invigorating breakfast; stroll through the lush vegetable garden; head out on a bike ride on the nearby paths for a breath of fresh air; get the barbecue firepit going on the terrace; lie back and relax in the large bathtub before snuggling up with a good book in front of the wood-burning stove…. In short, do less, but do it better – now there’s a good resolution for the new year! Cabin starting at €199 a night. // Mado Réassouet

TOILETRIES: Local organic shampoo and soap.

BREAKFAST: As an add-on. The Fermier option (€18) includes apple juice, bread from the neighboring baker made using local grains, local viennoiseries, fresh fruit and homemade jams made with fruit from the orchard, eggs from the farm’s chickens, butter and yogurts from a neighboring farm, all of which are organic; or the Gourmand (€22), with added ham, cheese and bacon, as well as granola and honey from the farm’s hives. And on top of that, unlimited coffee, tea and herbal teas available in the cabin.

LITTLE LUXURY: Splash around in the Scandinavian wood-fired hot tub on the terrace!