Villa Doris

The Brussels architects Albert and Alexis Dumont designed the plan for this dike villa. Above the small right window of the basement, the name 'Doris' is displayed in golden letters.
The villa was built in 1899 in neo-Rococo style. The entire facade was constructed from blue hardstone, which was later painted.
The elegantly designed loggia on the bel étage is accessible via a small staircase from the front terrace. The wrought iron work of the railing is very refined. Against the back and side walls of the loggia, colored faience tiles are installed that depict wisteria. Over the first and second floors, there is a wavy extension topped by a polygonal lookout tower. The rocaille sculptures on the facade refer to the sea: we see shells, seahorses, and even dolphins.
The contrast with the apartment buildings to its left and right highlights the growth of tourism in this coastal city. While Villa Doris was originally conceived as a holiday home for one family, contemporary apartment buildings now provide accommodation for multiple families.
Unfortunately, they give the seawall a much more monotonous appearance today than was the case about a hundred years ago. It is fortunate that this villa is protected as a monument.

Toerisme Middelkerke