The story behind the family hotel De Gentsche Poort
The hotel opened in 1994. But actually the story started in 1925 Café de Landbouw with a weighbridge located next to the former granary of the Termont family.
In 1974 Jack van Harn took over the lease at the age of 25, 1 year after the original pub had been closed. The first years it operated as only a bar. Together with his wife Marleen, they expanded already in 1977, with a restaurant area, due to the increasing demand for “something” to eat. The two of them built up the restaurant over a couple of years, which resulted in a conversion and a larger restaurant in 1980. The Meeting rooms and the kitchen was enlarged to meet the demand for parties, meetings and trainings.
After both had been trying to find out how to realize their dream of opening a full operating hotel, they opened the hotel as you see it today, and still it is Jack and Marleen that run and manages all aspects of the business.
In 2009, their son, Peter, joined the company. After years of experience in International hotels, there amongst the Marriott, he ensures with his experience, knowledge and impressions from his travels, that the company keeps developing, and progressing. As they say “One who stands still, is going backwards”,
The hotel can be described as a real family hotel in a rural environment where Peace, Space, and Recreation are the main principles.
