Art & stories, with Pieter jan and Laura: the woonportret

Family Somewhere along the rural West-Flemish roads, you come to this particular property. Including bright studio, where Pieter jan Martyn paints. Woman of the house Laura continued with her good taste and eye for detail, the dotting the i's.

How do you as young people in this wonderful building?

Pieter jan: “I grew up in Avelgem. There lived here a long time a copy shop/toy store. I bought lots of chewing gum and Jommekesstrips and have here for the first time, santa Claus meet! I was already in love with the facade of the building. And then came the eight years ago to purchase. For the renovation, I worked together with professionals from the village, and I helped where possible. In addition, I received tremendous support from my parents and my brother.”

Have you changed much on the house?

Pieter jan: “Only the façade, the roof and the ceilings in the hallway and living room are largely has remained authentic. When I Laura got to know, was the renovation is just behind us, but there was still no heat out of the home. The interior of the house is entirely her merit. We live in perhaps the busiest street in Avelgem, but at the back we experience an oasis of peace and tranquility. We live ‘on the outside’, and yet central. Within a radius of a kilometre away is both my as Laura's work, the nursery of Zappa, the school of Otis, a playground, and there is a nature reserve. It is good to live here.”