Iconic Pink Farm in Knokke Listed for Sale at €18.75 Million

One of Belgium’s most recognizable properties, the iconic “Roze Hoeve” (Pink Farm) in Knokke-Zoute, has been put on the market for €18.75 million. The sprawling estate, located at the edge of the Zwin Nature Reserve, is being sold publicly rather than through the discreet off-market channels typical of ultra-high-end transactions in the exclusive coastal enclave, according to Het Laatste Nieuws.

A Landmark Property

The Roze Hoeve is no ordinary villa. Its private domain covers 4,350 square meters, with a living area of 1,510 square meters spread across 13 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, 8 toilets, and 8 shower rooms. The estate is listed by Immo Brown in collaboration with Barnes International, and the listing describes it as “one of the most iconic private estates in Knokke-Zoute,” offering panoramic views over the protected Zwin landscape and complete privacy.

Built in 1928 for industrialist André Vuylsteke and his wife Claire Walckiers, the villa was designed by Dutch architect Jean De Wit-Van der Hoop (1880–1936), who was particularly active in Het Zoute and known for his distinctive style and signature use of pink accents. His personal residence in Knokke was fittingly called ‘t Roze Huisje (“The Pink Little House”).

“As early as 1937, almost all bedrooms had their own bathroom, a particularly progressive concept for that period,” Immo Brown noted in the sales description, highlighting the property’s ahead-of-its-time design.

Nearly Seven Decades of Discreet Ownership

The Dansette family — a discreet Brussels family — acquired the estate in 1957 and has held it for nearly 70 years. Remarkably, the property remained largely intact throughout this period, with major renovations absent, preserving the original layout and atmosphere. The family’s decision to sell now brings to market a piece of Belgian architectural history that has rarely been available to the public.

Why a Public Sale?

In Knokke-Zoute, Belgium’s most prestigious coastal neighborhood, luxury real estate transactions typically unfold behind closed doors. Off-market deals between trusted brokers and a tight circle of wealthy families are the norm. The public listing of the Roze Hoeve marks a notable departure from this tradition.

“Only the hundred or two hundred richest Belgians qualify as potential owners,” Knokke real estate agent Alex Dewulf told HLN, explaining the limited buyer pool. By going public, the sellers are maximizing visibility to attract global buyers who may not be connected to Belgium’s elite social circles, as Archyde.com reported.

Market Context and Pricing

At €12,417 per square meter of living space, the asking price of €18.75 million does not break Knokke’s price record. That distinction belongs to a villa purchased by entrepreneur Marc Coucke in 2024 for approximately €30 million. However, the Roze Hoeve’s value lies in its scarcity as a “mega-dome” — a large, contiguous estate that has not been subdivided, commanding a premium in an increasingly restrictive zoning environment.

At a standard 2% commission rate, the sale would generate approximately €375,000 in fees to be split between the cooperating agencies.

Architectural and Heritage Significance

The Roze Hoeve is considered one of Jean De Wit-Van der Hoop’s last and most significant works. The architect, whose career is documented in Belgium’s heritage inventory, specialized in large villas with a rural character, often featuring thatched roofs. The property’s bold pink palette — a confident departure from the muted beiges and greys typical of luxury coastal architecture — has made it a beloved local landmark and a cultural waypoint in Knokke.

What to Watch For

The sale’s outcome will serve as a bellwether for Belgium’s luxury real estate market. A quick sale at or above the asking price would validate the €15–20 million bracket as a liquid segment, while a prolonged listing could signal cooling demand among the ultra-wealthy. Speculation in local media has already linked the Gheysens family — prominent Belgian real estate developers — as potential buyers.

Beyond the immediate transaction, the Roze Hoeve’s public listing may signal a broader shift in how trophy assets are marketed in Europe’s luxury property sector, as a new generation of wealthy buyers increasingly discovers investments through digital channels rather than traditional networking.

For now, the question remains: who will become the next custodian of one of Belgium’s most iconic homes?