Being part of the Seef Yard community

For the past few weeks – since the first heatwave, to be precise – I’ve been spending an unexpectedly large amount of time in the garden at Seef Yard. It’s a hidden oasis in Antwerp that connects five distinctive properties owned by HOC Living. The idea came from Pim, the owner and managing partner, who recognised early on the potential to bring the separate city gardens together into a single shared space.

When I first caught sight of the gardens – which were still fragmented at the time – two years ago, I could already see the possibilities. But I never would have dared to imagine it would turn out this beautiful. Even more surprising is the way this place feels. It’s as though the architecture has not only connected spaces, but people too.

What perhaps touches me most is the natural sense of openness. Within just a few visits, I got to know people I’d never met before. You’re greeted, people remember your name, strike up a conversation, invite you to join them for lunch, have a drink or play a game. Age, nationality, background or profession seem to play hardly any role here. Perhaps that is the greatest luxury Seef Yard has to offer: the feeling of belonging.

That’s quite special, especially in a city where many residents and professionals come from all over the world. For first-time buyers, freelancers, expats or entrepreneurs who have only just settled in Antwerp, a place like this can make the difference between simply living in a city and really feeling at home there.

And then, of course, there’s the garden itself.

Although Seef Yard is situated right in the city centre, a sense of tranquillity prevails here. All you can really hear is the rustling of the trees and the gentle sound of water. A natural swimming pond forms the beating heart of the garden, guarded by two stone lions, whilst a frog cheerfully spouts water towards the plants that purify the pond water. White hydrangeas, young plane trees, bamboo, ivy, flowers and a patch of grass create an almost meditative atmosphere.

Pigeons regularly alight by the water’s edge, and somewhere in the background you can hear the bantams scratching about. It feels as though the city comes to a standstill here for a brief moment.

Adjacent to the garden is Work of Co, Seef Yard’s new co-working space. What was once a warehouse has been transformed into an inspiring workplace with the feel of a boutique hotel. Raw concrete blends effortlessly with warm burgundy tones, whilst art and sculptures offer a subtle nod to the Far East.

As you enter, your eye is immediately drawn to the long oval table, surrounded by stylish chairs that can be hired as flexible workspaces – for a day, a week, a month or longer. From almost anywhere, you can look out over the garden and the swimming pond. Further along are lockable meeting rooms and a cosy lounge where you can just as easily have a good chat as take a moment to relax.

There are private offices, shared workspaces, a kitchen and a pool table that transforms into a table tennis table in the blink of an eye. A playful touch that fits perfectly with the atmosphere of the place.

A somewhat hidden staircase leads to the upper floors, where you’ll find even more office spaces and a communal kitchen. Right at the top is the head office. That’s where Jeremiah works – the hospitality manager and perhaps the very embodiment of Seef Yard’s culture. His genuine warmth and infectious positivity ensure you feel welcome from the very first moment.

Seef Yard is more than just a collection of beautiful buildings or a stylish co-working space. It is a place where architecture, nature, entrepreneurship and community reinforce one another. A place that proves that a well-designed environment can not only be beautiful, but can also bring people closer together.

And perhaps that is the greatest achievement of this extraordinary project.

Patrick Sevenans | July 2026 info@houseofco.eu