For inspiration, Mr. Vandenbussche turned to the Austrian-American architect Richard Neutra; similarities in style are particularly evident in the exterior of the home.
For inspiration, Mr. Vandenbussche turned to the Austrian-American architect Richard Neutra; similarities in style are particularly evident in the exterior of the home. © Laura Van Severen

As one of two partners in the modernist architectural firm Konstrukto, Georges Vandenbussche typically was beholden to the wishes and whims of his clients. So when he decided in 1964 to design a home of his own on the countryside 22 miles west of the Belgian city of Ghent, Mr. Vandenbussche relished the idea of complete control.

“I wanted to create a space exactly as I wanted, where I could feel at home, but also have an example for future clients,” he said. “At the time, there weren’t any examples around.”

Mr. Vandenbussche’s dream project, a 600-square-meter, or about 6,500-square-foot, modernist masterpiece, included many elements then rarely seen in Belgium, such as a flat roof, huge open living area with no doorways, and floor-to-ceiling windows, along with a host of smaller touches.

The single-story house, set on four hectares, or 10 acres, and completed in 1969, also contains a large master bedroom and three smaller bedrooms off a separate wing, and three bathrooms. It’s on the market for 2.5 million euros, or $2.7 million, through ArchitectenWoning (Architect Houses), a Belgian real estate service based in Ghent that matches buyers and sellers interested in modernist buildings and committed to maintaining their architectural integrity.

“Georges’ house was the first time modernism was introduced here on this level,” said Frederic Rozier, owner of ArchitectenWoning and an expert in modern design.

In 2008, the house was classified as a historic monument for its architectural significance.