Land Rover just opened its very first Defender House in Belgium; in Durbuy, the smallest town in the world. Till 4th of November 2024, the Defender House serves as an exclusive location where you are immersed in a unique, unseen brand experience. Through sensory-stimulating activities, memories are created that are connected to Defender. The Defender experience is crafted in partnership with high-end brands that share the same brand values.
Pictures by Wilhelm Westergren Photography
The design villa, which provides the setting for this Defender experience, is named Villa Tarida and embodies the essence of serenity and escapism. Created by the architectural firm 6940 des Architectes, this exceptional location features an atypical and modern project that respects the codes of luxury, simplicity, and refinement. The contemporary architecture of the building merges seamlessly with the idyllic surrounding nature. Covered terraces link the living spaces with their green surroundings, while the interior guarantees luxury and elegance. Daylight floods the spacious rooms, which are adorned with carefully selected varieties of wood, stone, and lime. At the heart of the villa lies an oasis of relaxation, equipped with an extensive wellness area featuring a swimming pool and fitness room.
Authenticity, the power of nature, and modernism are core pillars present in both the Defender House and the heart of the Belgian Ardennes.
Discover The World Of Defender
The Defender House immerses you fully in a luxurious brand experience where the Defender brand world is brought to life in every detail. During your visit to the villa, you’ll be engaged through a variety of activities designed to ensure an unforgettable experience and a deep introduction to Defender. In different spaces, you’ll be indulged by luxury partners who provide exquisite food, drinks, and an exceptional experience.
Copperhead
Copperhead has been crafting Belgian gin since 2013. It all began when Yves Vindevogel, with his background as a pharmacist, realized he could use his expertise to create a medicinal beverage reminiscent of those known in medieval times: gin. At the Defender House, you can also discover the art of alchemy during mixology sessions. Create your own cocktails or mocktails bursting with botanical flavors. Explore the spicy notes of the OCTA Mule or opt for a refreshing OCTA Virgin with lively citrus accents. For modern explorers who appreciate sophistication and rich flavors, this is the place to be.
Big Green Egg
When the ancient Eastern kamado cooking tradition meets durable ceramic materials, you get the Big Green Egg. Whether cooking, baking, grilling, braising, or smoking, this appliance brings out the best flavors in every cooking style. Adventurous food lovers will discover in the Defender House that the Big Green Egg sets no boundaries for quality. Chef Kris Vandorpe will demonstrate the use of the Big Green Egg during a workshop and prepare a delicious vitello tonnato.
Mon Dada
For Mon Dada, candles are the highlight of any design interior. This Belgian brand brings a soft and atmospheric touch to concrete with its candles, all while embodying luxury. Their collection extends to diffusers, home perfumes, lamps, and more, showcasing a commitment to beautiful creations driven by sustainability. At the Defender House, you can marvel at Mon Dada’s majestic designs and discover their new range of wellness products in an exclusive presentation.
The Chocolate Line
Taste acrobat Dominique Persoone is the mastermind behind The Chocolate Line, famous for both traditional pralines and surprising flavor combinations like chocolate with bacon and cola. As a true chocolate magician, he has transformed the Defender into a chocolate figure for this event, filled with praline and popping candy.
Meridian
The Defender House offers an unparalleled sound experience made possible by Meridian, a brand that has been pushing the boundaries of audio systems for over 40 years. Their speakers fully immerse you in the world of the Defender OCTA during the screening of the OCTA movie. Meridian also ensures an exceptional audio experience within the Defender itself.
IONNYK
A stunning presentation backdrop for the Defender—this is exactly what IONNYK provides. The brand specializes in frames for digital art. In the Defender House, images of the vehicle will be displayed in IONNYK’s frames. To replicate the look of real paper, the brand uses e-paper technology and millions of tiny ink capsules.
Wout Bru
The Defender House offers a complete experience of both the Defender brand and the Ardennes landscape, and you’ll savor the flavors of the region with a tasting of local products curated by Michelin-starred chef Wout Bru. As the owner of four restaurants in Durbuy—Le Grand Verre, La Bru’sserie, Wagyu Grill, and Limoni e Tartufi—Wout Bru knows the taste of the Ardennes like no other.
Kristin Van Eetvelt
During a tea experience led by culinary tea sommelier Kristin Van Eetvelt, you’ll explore the world of Chinese tea. The unique Chinese teas served travel directly from tea farmers in China to the cup in front of you. Discover the rich aromas, colors, and flavors of the different tea varieties. Sample various appetizers as well, learning how pairing food with tea can enhance the flavors of both.
Mas Tu Vu
Mas Tu Vu is the gem of Belgian jewelry. Discover their unique collection of authentic pieces in their boutique at Le Sanglier des Ardennes while enjoying a glass of champagne. Choose from one of their refined designs or commission a custom-made piece. Additionally, visitors to the Defender House have the chance to win a stunning piece of jewelry in an exclusive raffle.
Guy Pieters Gallery
The Defender House surrounds you with beauty—from the breathtaking landscape and unique architecture to a vehicle embodying timeless sophistication. Adding to this ambiance are artworks from the Guy Pieters Gallery. On the Defender grounds, you’ll encounter sculptural masterpieces that evoke wonder, including The Magician by Guillaume Bijl, The Man Who Carries the Cross by Jan Fabre, and Evolution by Arman.
