Hannes Coudenys from Kortrijk ran the blog Ugly Belgian Houses, where he posted photos and comments in what he called “ugly Belgian English”. The site became a cult hit, and even spawned an opposition: another blog called Nice Belgian Houses.

But Coudenys has decided to call it a day after Antwerp’s local TV station ATV reported on the site and then tried to interview some of the people whose homes were featured. “That wasn’t the idea of the website, and I’ve no desire to face a lawsuit,” Coudenys said.

According to one legal expert, an architect whose work had been targeted for mockery might be inclined to bring a legal action for libel, though none has so far. Coudenys has now removed most pictures from the site, with one notable exception: His own house. His comments on that subject are not suitable for reproduction in this newspaper. The site will remain, but will no longer be updated.

www.uglybelgianhouses.tumblr.com