French antique dealer Paul de Grande steps back

Paul De Grande, the Belgian antique dealer famous for his television appearances, has reduced his public presence. The man who became a household name in Flanders through the long-running show Stukken van Mensen now lives in the South of France instead of his castle near Bruges.

From Castle to Neoclassical Mansion

De Grande’s career began with a castle in Jabbeke, which he filled with antiques and turned into a business. His television roles, where his sharp wit and resemblance to Belgium’s Prince Laurent made him stand out, helped build his reputation.

He sold the castle a few years ago and moved to Memling House, a Neoclassical mansion in Bruges. Later, he purchased a second home in France, which he has since renovated. The French house was chosen for its elegance and quiet, offering an escape from public attention.

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In 1986, photographers visiting his castle noticed an unusual detail: minimalist Torso armchairs by Paolo Deganello in the attic, a sharp contrast to the antiques on the lower floors. This detail revealed his appreciation for the unexpected, a preference that carried over to his new home.

A Signature Style, Transplanted

The French residence retains elements of his earlier spaces. De Grande transported key pieces, including a carved wooden panel with masonic symbols and the panelling from a 19th-century Neo-Gothic library. These now cover the living room’s back wall. Eighteenth-century chairs also made the move, preserving his distinctive aesthetic.

The house reflects his personal choices as well. The kitchen includes a fireplace lined with green glazed tiles, designed to function as a grill—a feature reminiscent of Swedish stove design. Upstairs, a billiard table fits beneath the exposed beams, and guest rooms occupy the remaining space. The color scheme is striking: white walls with bold red accents in the master bedroom and bathroom.

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Though the setting is French, the home retains a Flemish character. It blends history and comfort, where antiques sit alongside modern simplicity. For someone who spent decades in the public eye, the house offers a retreat that balances his passion with the privacy he now prefers.

This move does not mark the end of his career, only a shift toward a quieter phase. The French house suggests he has found a way to step back from the demands of fame while keeping the elements of his work he values most.