This house, with in front a stepped gable from  the early 17th century, has at the back the last remaining wooden facade of Ghent. In 1671 Ghent forced a strict regulation against the restoration of wooden facades (that’s why the others no longer exist). Because of its unique cultural value the history of this building was thoroughly researched. We are sure that in 1337 there were houses in this place, owned by Jan Brouckaerd, a master carpenter. Presumably, these houses were made into one bigger house early 15th century, with a wooden front and rear. That building was less high: it had only two floors. Around 1479, the house was expanded at the back to the ‘Lieve’ – a small channel. The current rear is presumably partially constructed from materials of the demolished original facade. In a recent renovation the attempt was to preserve as much as possible of the original timber and the original timber-frame was again exposed.