Bed & Bar Tolomeus

The concept of champing originated in England. It stands for ‘camping in a church’. It is an ideal way to relive a church in a different way and to prevent church vacancy at the same time.

We offer our guests an unique experience to stay the night in a real church. All the original elements such as the church bell, the pulpit, the altar, the benches and the confessional, are still at the site. These can be used freely, with respect for their historical value, of course.

Because God sees everything 😉

Enjoy the company of your fellow guests in either the sitting area, the dining area or the games room (table football, darts,…). The sanitary infrastructure consists of two separate units, each with a shower, sink and toilet. These units are shared by the entire group.

The kitchen contains the basic equipment such as an induction hob, sink, dishwasher, microwave, ample fridge and tableware for twelve people. Although there lacks an oven, guests can cook and/or heat simple items. Of course, the kitchen also provides a coffee machine, water boiler and toaster to prepare a breakfast to strengthen the inner man.

Until further notice, water is not yet being changed into wine (#John 2:1-12)

The Church of St. Bartholomew (Sint-Bartholomeuskerk in Dutch) is a typical reconstruction-era church. The original church and the village of Kaaskerke were largely destroyed during the Battle of the Yser in the First World War. After the war, a new church was built at a distance of 500 m (0,3 miles) from the original site. The original stones were reused in the new building. It is for this reason that this church does not have a graveyard.

Upon entering through the porch, the esthetic qualities of the church catch the eye. The balanced geometrical proportions, the intricately decorated stained glass window behind the original altar and the magnificently lit wooden barrel vault give this simple church its timeless beauty. The church has a surface of 540m² (5.813ft²). Guests can freely use the large garden that surrounds the building. In a quiet area in the garden, guests will find two picnic tables, a few lounge chairs and outdoor games. 

You are free to bring your own drinks if you wish. However, for your comfort we also provide an ample selection of drinks at reasonable prices. We especially recommend our selection of Belgian stock beers and wines.

In the summer (June-September), the terrace in front of the church is used as a summer bar. You are more than welcome to have a drink here as well. And don’t worry: the summer bar won’t bother you during your stay, since it opens at 1 pm and closes at 10 pm. The church itself will not be accessible to outsiders to guarantee your privacy.     

The price for this unique stay in the church is € 540 per night, or € 45 per person. From the second night, you receive a discount of 10% on this price. A two-night stay costs € 980 and a three-night stay € 1.440. In the weekends and during the summermonths July and August we ask a minimum stay of two nights.         

Cleaning fee, fresh bedlinnen and tourist taxes are included. Electricity and gas are charged additionally. Breakfast, picnic and dinner are optional.

A few more things:

• Accessible for persons with a disability (except choir loft and steeple)
• No pets allowed
• No parties or loud music allowed in the church
• We do not rent to youth groups
• €300 deposit

When renting Bed & Bar Tolomeus, you can also add several supplementary services provided by local partners.

- In terms of gastronomy, you can choose between breakfast and meal formulas ranging from basic to extensive, all of which are delivered to the location. At your request, a picnic can be delivered to the church to take with you on your excursion. The picnic can also be delivered at an agreed location and specific hour. For the breakfast, we partner with bakery Vandooren and the Brooderie. For the picnic and dinner, we work with caterer ‘t Festijn.

- During your stay, you have an ample assortment of drinks at your disposal. This consists of well-priced drinks standard available in our summer bar  added by an assortment of special wines and a selection of stock beers.

- There is much to do in the region. The outdoor organization ‘t Buitenbeentje offers a wide range of activities, which can also be combined with a customized group activity. A selection of their offer: bike rental, canoeing, go-carts, rafting, paintball, Flemish traditional games, kayak polo,… There are many other options as well; a visit to WWI sites, a brewery, a deer farm, a cheese factory or chocolatier, little cafés…A guided nature or city walk can be booked at the Diksmuide Tourist Office.

Bed & Bar Tolomeus is located along the ‘Frontzate’. This historical front line from WW I is the recreative connection (for cyclists and walkers) between the coast (Nieuwpoort) and the Westhoek (Diksmuide).

If you like cycling or walking, then Bed & Bar Tolomeus is definitely a good starting point to explore the region. We happily provide information about short and long tours. A visit to the historical center of Diksmuide is also worth discovering (the Grand Market, the beguinage, the Handzamevaart, Church of Saint Nicolas, Marina, fishmarket,…)