TWO NIGHTS AT DE DURGERDAM BOUTIQUE HOTEL

In the spring of 2024, I found myself in the idyllic village of Durgerdam, just outside of Amsterdam, at the recently opened De Durgerdam boutique hotel. This charming 14-room inn, housed partially in a building dating back to the 17th century, offers a serene escape from the city’s bustle, immersing guests in the picturesque Dutch countryside.

If you're planning a trip to the Netherlands, while Amsterdam's allure is undeniable, visiting De Durgerdam provides a unique and enriching perspective on Dutch history and culture.

Most photos by De Durgerdam

A Warm Welcome

a Scenic Boat Tour in Amsterdam

When I arrived at Amsterdam Central, I was greeted by our hosts, Monica and Agnes, along with four other guests who looked as excited as I was. Our adventure began with a cruise on a historic wooden saloon boat along the IJ River, transitioning from the lively cityscape to the peaceful shores of IJmeer Lake. As we sailed, we enjoyed getting to know one another while munching and sipping on a spread of nuts, cheeses, preserved specialties, and prosecco. The breeze, sunny skies, and serene waters set the perfect tone for our next two days.

We arrived at Durgerdam's jetty, which was bustling with lunch-goers enjoying the sunshine and wine (yes, there can be plenty of sun in Dutch country, contrary to popular belief). De Durgerdam often attracts visitors from Amsterdam and neighboring villages, who come for business lunches, casual visits, or soak in the atmosphere.

A DUTCH INN FROM ANOTHER TIME

SEVENTEENTH CENTURY Charm and Modern Comfort

Entering the inn felt like stepping into a different era. Have you heard the Dutch term gezellig? Difficult to translate, it's something that inspires a feeling of coziness, deliciousness, warmth, and beauty. The inn’s heart and entrance, the restaurant De Mark, epitomizes this Dutch concept of "gezelligheid," exuding comfort and conviviality.

I stayed in a suite, one of the four rooms in the original inn, dating back to 1667. The original and beautifully weathered stairwell hinted at the history contained within the walls. After thoroughly exploring my room and checking out all the thoughtful details, it was time for a site tour where we learned about the structure's history, the guiding principles of Aedes—the hospitality group responsible for the revival of the inn—and their collaborative partners in the restoration process.

We started and ended the evening over a candlelight dinner at De Mark, with an open kitchen preparing meals over a wood fire. The ambiance was magical as we dined until all the candles burned out. The turn-down service in my room added a personal touch, complete with a custom ceramic tea mug and bedtime herbs, relaxing jazz piping from a small stereo, and a sweet card reminding me to disconnect before bed.

The Setting —Thoughtful Design Touches

De Durgerdam is one of those places with an answer for every design decision made—if you know what Good Trips is all about, you know this is the magic spot for what we look for in a property. From the painstakingly crafted paint colors inspired by the local nature and customs to the wall drapings made from pre-roped flax to the custom sky-blue raincoats designed in collaboration with Dutch design house Kassl Editions to the headboards inspired by the waves of the Zuiderzee and fashioned from local tulipwood, the collab between Aedes and design studio Buro Belén didn't miss a beat.

Biking through the Dutch Countryside

The next morning, I woke to the gentle sounds of birds and waves. Despite only five hours of sleep, I felt refreshed. Breakfast at De Mark was a feast with fresh eggs, bacon, and herbs from the garden. It was so good I ordered a second! Our guide for the day met us over breakfast, having ridden from Amsterdam, which can take 20-40 minutes, depending on your cycling speed.

We set out on Veloretti bikes to explore the countryside, visiting lakes, historic villages and sites, pastures, farms, and cafes. The sunny weather was perfect as we stopped at a working dairy farm to pop into a 24/7 honesty farm stand offering preserved meats, cheeses, jams, and even a cold raw milk dispenser. Our destination was an old schoolhouse repurposed as a community space and café, where we sat back in the sun over refreshments and famous Dutch pie in a picturesque garden setting.

AN AFTERNOON AT DE DURGERDAM

Local Flavors and Artistic Touches

Back at De Durgerdam, we joined locals on the jetty for wine and dining over the water. A painting class in a small room overlooking the lake followed, led by a master of traditional Dutch painting techniques. The setting felt straight out of a Vermeer painting, with light pouring through the windows just so. While we left feeling lackluster about our painting abilities, we laughed a lot, and it was the perfect afternoon activity.

To show us the ease of getting to Amsterdam, our hosts brought us into the city for dinner at the Michelin-starred restaurant Zoldering. We met Joost, the Director of Operations for Aedes, and chatted about Dutch life, the world, the beauty of restoration projects, and with plenty of wine flowing. The 20-minute ride back to the hotel conveniently got us back to our cozy accommodations for that cup of tea in bed.

A Perfect Morning and Farewell

On our second and last morning, I couldn't resist a swim alongside ducks and swans in the lake (yes, five beautiful swans set against the misty lake backdrop...you can't make these settings up!). A yoga class on the jetty followed. After another hearty breakfast (ahem, two hearty breakfasts) and a refreshing rain shower, I packed my bags and went down to sit in the salon—an inviting extension of De Mark where guests can relax before or after check-in or locals who linger like it's home. 

Packing it up

De Durgerdam is an experience that blends history, beauty, and comfort, inspired by the soul of Dutch traditions. If you're dreaming of a trip to the Netherlands, plan to spend a few days there. It's the perfect complement or replacement for your Amsterdam adventure, offering a tranquil retreat in the heart of the Dutch countryside any time of the year.

Want us to book your holiday to Durgurdam and get you the inside hook-up while doing so? Let us know at the link below.

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