62. De le Court House [Etterbeek Public Library]

On the edge of the Hap Park, behind a uniform row of houses in sober Art Nouveau style along the Avenue d'Auderghem, lies a surprising architectural gem, a cottage-style house whose interior is as intriguing as it is eclectic. It was architect Henri Vaes, a man primarily known for his religious buildings of which Orval Abbey is the most famous, who designed the residence for Henry de le Court, a court of first instance judge. The visit takes one through, among other things, a study in Neo-Gothic style, a staircase hall in Art Nouveau style with mosaics, glazed wall tiles and sculpted bat motifs, and a rather Neoclassical music room. The building has been used as the Etterbeek Public Library since 2001.