Leeuwarden Dream Home: Fireplace & Drents-Friese Wold Views!
Leeuwarden Dream Home: Fireplace & Drents-Friese Wold Views! - A Review with a Side of Friesian Wind
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Leeuwarden Dream Home, and let me tell you, it wasn't quite the flawlessly manicured fairytale I'd envisioned. But honestly? That's what made it… memorable. I'm talking stick-in-my-memory kind of memorable. Let's get messy with this review, shall we?
First Impressions (and a Little Angst):
Driving in was a breeze, which is always a plus after an airport transfer. Speaking of which, Airport transfer – a definite perk, especially if you're, you know, slightly directionally challenged like yours truly. Car park [free of charge]? Score! Free is always my favorite price, especially when you're lugging around a suitcase that seems to have multiplied in size overnight.
The Exterior corridor felt a little… stark at first. Not quite "dream home" vibes, more like "efficient apartment building". But the Fireplace! (Oh, did I mention the fireplace? More on that later…) And the Views of Drents-Friese Wold – absolutely breathtaking. I mean, pure, unadulterated, get-lost-in-the-vastness, countryside goodness. I could almost hear the Frisian wind whispering secrets to the trees. (Yeah, I get a little poetic when I'm on vacation. Sue me.)
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag:
The website promised Facilities for disabled guests, but this is where things got a little… unclear. I didn't test it myself (thankfully!), but some of the access points seemed a little tight. I'd suggest calling ahead and REALLY grilling them about specifics if you have mobility needs. Elevator was a definite win, though!
Internet - The Lifeline (and a Little Annoyance):
You're probably thinking, "Internet? In a dream home?!" Yes friends, even dreams need Wi-Fi. Thankfully, the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! claim lived up to the hype. The connection was surprisingly solid. Internet [LAN] was also offered, which is great if you're a gamer or someone who likes a super-stable connection. But my inner hermit just wanted the ease, the simplicity of wireless. Let's just say my Zoom calls were a bit wobbly at times. And is it just me, or does the promise of "Internet access – wireless" feel like a given in this day and age? Still, no complaints when I needed to upload my scenic countryside photos!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - So Many Options, So Little Time (and A Tiny Bit of FOMO):
Okay, this is where things got interesting. I am a person of leisure, and I appreciate options. Leeuwarden Dream Home practically threw them at me.
- Spa/sauna: I'm a sucker for a good sauna. The Sauna, in particular, was glorious. Imagine this: the crisp air outside, a frosty wind brushing against your cheeks, and then, BAM, searing heat enveloping your body. Pure bliss.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: I'm not a huge pool person, so this element was okay. the pool with view was a really nice touch
- Gym/fitness: Tried to use the Fitness center I swear was out of order.
- Massage: Was tempted to get a Massage, but I was feeling lazy, so maybe next time.
I wanted to use the Foot bath but time was limited.
- Things to do: I had So many things to do that I didn't do.
Cleanliness & Safety - Gotta Give it to 'Em!
This is where Leeuwarden Dream Home really shines. In the age of, well, everything, I'm always a little paranoid, and they nailed this. Anti-viral cleaning products, Individually-wrapped food options, Daily disinfection in common areas…they ticked ALL the boxes. The staff were clearly trained in Safety protocol. I felt genuinely safe, which is a HUGE relief when you're trying to relax. Rooms sanitized between stays? Yes, please!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - The Foodie's Paradise (Almost):
Okay, time for the real juicy details. Food is life, right? Right.
- Breakfast [buffet]: It was decent, but the coffee… oh, the coffee. Let's just say I wouldn't write home about it. Breakfast takeaway service was useful.
- Restaurants: There were a couple of Restaurants in the complex, and I had my eye on the Vegetarian restaurant. But my jetlag kicked in, and I ended up eating chips in my robe. Glamorous, I know.
- Room service [24-hour]: Thank goodness for this! My jetlag and the lack of a good coffee machine in my room led to a midnight pizza feast. The pizza was… well, it was pizza.
- Bar! I did manage to grab a drink at the Bar and the ambiance was very relaxed.
- Snack bar Was available. Coffee/tea in restaurant also available.
They even had Bottle of water, and Essential condiments – important details, people! Asian breakfast was also available. I didn't eat anything International cuisine in restaurant.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things Matter:
Here's the lowdown on the extras that either made my life easier, or that I completely ignored.
- Concierge: Super helpful. They navigated my limited Dutch skills with patient smile.
- Daily housekeeping: My room always looked pristine, which is a miracle considering my usual travel habits.
- Laundry service & Ironing service:: I managed to live without these, but props for offering them!
- Gift/souvenir shop: A great place to grab some last-minute presents (or, you know, a souvenir for yourself).
- Cash withdrawal: Always good to have!
- Meeting/banquet facilities & Seminars: I didn't use any of these, but good to know they exist if you're mixing business with pleasure.
For the Kids - (I Have No Kids, But I Noticed!)
They seemed really well-equipped for families. Family/child friendly – check! They had Kids facilities and a Babysitting service which is a huge plus for anyone traveling with littles.
Available in All Rooms - The Basics (and More!)
Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of the rooms themselves.
- Fireplace: I promised more details on this. This was the jewel in the crown! It was cozy, romantic (even when I was alone), and made the whole experience feel special. I spent hours with a book and a glass of wine, just staring at the flames. Pure heaven.
- Air conditioning: Thank goodness!
- Wake-up service: I didn't sign up, but was tempted.
- Coffee/tea maker: Sadly, the coffee wasn't great.
- Bathrobes & Slippers: A nice touch, though I mostly lived in my jeans.
- Free bottled water: Hydration is key.
- Additional toilet and Separate shower/bathtub: these were luxury.
- Bathroom phone: I didn't call anyone from the bathroom.
- Desk, Closet, Mirror, Seating area, Sofa: The basic facilities was great.
- Internet access – wireless: Worked great in my room.
- Non-smoking: Made me happy, since I'm super allergic to smoke.
- Minibar: I didn't go near it, because I am a cheapskate.
- Shower: The water pressure was fantastic!
- Smoke detector: Always important.
- Socket near the bed: A techie's best friend.
- Telephone: A legacy item.
- Hair dryer: An essential.
- Satellite/cable channels & On-demand movies: Perfect for a lazy evening.
- Reading light: Fantastic for book-reading.
- High floor: My view was amazing.
- Window that opens: Never underestimate the power of fresh air.
- Alarm clock: I set it, but ignored it.
- Internet access – LAN, In-room safe box, Laptop workspace, Luggage storage, Soundproofing, Towels, Toiletries, Extra long bed, Blackout curtains, Interconnecting room(s) available, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Scale, Smoke alarms, Bathtub, Slippers: Amenities were fantastic.
Getting Around - Easy Peasy
- Bicycle parking: Perfect for exploring, even if I didn't.
- Car park [on-site]: It was there (and free!), so that made me happy.
- Taxi service: Always available.
The Verdict (And a Final Rant):
Leeuwarden
Amsterdam Farmhouse Romance: Forest Escape Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn’t your grandma’s meticulously planned itinerary. This is… me attempting to wrangle a chaotic weekend in the godforsaken beauty of the Drents-Friese Wold. We're talking a restyled house with a FIREPLACE (cue inner glee) near Leeuwarden, Netherlands. Let's see if this turns into a postcard-perfect weekend or a hilarious train wreck.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Fireplace Anticipation
- 14:00 - Arrival & Keys of Doom (and Joy): We arrive! The drive from (wherever the hell we're coming from) was… well, it was a drive. SatNav tried to kill us three times with "scenic route" options that involved gravel roads and questionable bridges. The house itself? It's gorgeous, all modern lines and… oh my god… THE FIREPLACE. I’m already mentally crafting a dramatic, book-reading pose in front of it. The keys however felt like a cursed treasure. Had to fiddle around with them for a good chunk of time, nearly broke a nail.
- 15:00 - Food Run! Okay, priorities. Wine, cheese, bread… the essentials. Found a cute little supermarket in the nearest village, feeling blissfully Dutch. Until I realized I forgot my reusable shopping bag. Resulting in a juggling act that involved me carrying a watermelon, a baguette, and a wheel of Gouda while simultaneously kicking myself.
- 16:00 - FIREPLACE! (The Reckoning): Unpacking. Trying to figure out the damn coffee machine (still haven’t). And then, the moment. The fireplace. Building the perfect fire is an art, and I’m… well, I’m a beginner. Smoky is not a scent I'm aiming for, and there were a few tense moments, some swearing, and a whole lot of lighter fluid. After about an hour (yes, really), SUCCESS! A warm, crackling beacon of hope!
- 18:00 - Dinner & Pre-Fireplace Bliss: Feasting on cheese, bread, and the incredibly cheap and cheerful wine. Honestly, the wine is probably the greatest thing to come out of the Netherlands (besides the gorgeous scenery and, of course, the people!) Getting comfy with snacks, and all things cozy. Started to think if there's any board games, or, heaven forbid, a book!
- 19:00 - That Fireplace Life: This is where the weekend really begins. There's something so incredibly primal about a fire. Read a bit, people-watched, journaled. Started to feel the stress of the week melt away. Then… the fire started to decline. More sticks, and more… struggling. Eventually, it looked like a sad little ember instead of a furnace from hell.
Day 2: Nature's Embrace & Existential Angst (Possibly fueled by Dutch Wind)
- 08:00 - Coffee Disaster & Breakfast Trauma: Remember the coffee machine? Yeah, still wrestling with that. Finally, managed to get some… something that vaguely resembled coffee. Breakfast was equally challenging. Burnt toast, runny eggs. Maybe I should have brought my own chef.
- 09:00 - Hiking. Or, More Accurately, "Wandering Around Lost in the Woods": The Drents-Friese Wold! Beautiful, supposedly. Got hopelessly lost within 15 minutes. The trails are well-marked, sure, but my sense of direction is… challenged. Managed to spot some amazing birds (I think. Could have been squirrels. I’m no ornithologist). Took a wrong turn, ended up staring at a field of sheep. The sheep stared back. It was a staring contest of quiet judgement.
- 12:00 - Lunch & "Contemplation" by the Lake: Found a charming little picnic spot by a lake. More cheese, more bread. Contemplated my life choices, the meaning of existence, and whether I had packed enough sunscreen. The wind was brutal. My hair resembled a bird's nest. I considered giving up and going back to bed.
- 14:00 - More Nature (Against My Will): Tried a different hiking route in the general direction of… something. Got less lost this time! Actually saw a couple of majestic deer. Maybe nature isn’t so bad, after all. (Don't tell anyone I said that).
- 17:00 - The Fireplace Returns to Glory! Back at the house! Spent a ridiculous amount of time perfecting the fireplace technique. This time, SUCCESS! Roaring fire, fluffy blankets, and… a sudden urge to write a novel. (Probably won’t happen, but you know, the idea is nice).
- 18:00 - Dinner & Existential Debrief: Dinner was slightly better – less burnt stuff. Ate. Debriefed. Watched a truly terrible Dutch movie on TV.
- 19:00 - Fireplace Encore: More fire-gazing, book-reading, and deep thoughts. Felt all the feels. Soothed by the crackle of flames. Then, of course, the fire slowly died again. The cycle continues.
Day 3: Departure & The Bitter-Sweet Goodbye
- 09:00 - Breakfast & Coffee Redemption: Victory! The coffee machine finally yielded drinkable caffeinated liquid. Breakfast was still a mess but, this time, a happy mess.
- 10:00 - Last Glimpses: One last wander around the house, taking photos of the fireplace. Thinking I should just move in.
- 11:00 - Packing & The Dreaded Cleaning: Packing. Cleaning. Trying to leave the place as pristine as possible, failing spectacularly. Found a rogue sock. Where did that come from?
- 12:00 - Departure & Reflections: Goodbye, beautiful house! Goodbye, fireplace! Goodbye, slightly-less-lost version of myself. The drive home. More quiet contemplation of my life. The trip wasn’t perfect. It was messy, imperfect, and at times, hilarious. But it was real. And I'd do it all over again, for the fireplace alone.
- 13:00 - Post-Travel Trauma: Already planning my next trip. And absolutely, positively, 100% bringing my own chef.
Leeuwarden Dream Home: Fireplace & Drents-Friese Wold Views - The FAQ (with a Side of Reality)
Okay, so... 'Dream Home'? Seriously? What's the *deal* with this place?
Alright, alright, settle down. "Dream Home" is a *slight* exaggeration, okay? It's more like… "Really, Really Nice Home with a Few Quirks." Look, the fireplace is AMAZING. Seriously, the kind where you can actually feel the heat radiating, making you want to curl up with a massive book (which, I almost did, until I realized I hadn't finished the dishes). And the view? The Drents-Friese Wold is beautiful, a vast, green expanse. Which, on the one hand, is breathtaking. On the other... you're in the middle of nowhere. And I mean *nowhere*. Grocery runs? Prepare yourself for a scenic tour of Dutch windmills.
The Fireplace: Live up to the Hype?
The fireplace? Okay, confession time: I spent a good hour and a half the first evening *just* staring at it. Watching the flames dance. It's hypnotic. I even almost burnt my eyebrow during a clumsy attempt to light the kindling. Let's just say, my eyebrows are now a little... asymmetrical. But! Worth. It. The cozy factor? Off the charts. You feel like you're in some kind of Dutch painting, but with central heating. (Which, thankfully, also works). The only issue? The smoke alarm is, shall we say, *enthusiastic*.
I’ll tell you a story. One weekend, I’d meticulously stacked the logs, like a pro, envisioning a perfect evening. Wine, a roaring fire, peace. Beautiful. Then, the smoke decided it preferred the living room to the chimney and the alarm went off. For like, five minutes. I leaped into action (mostly panic), opened all the windows, and choked on the smoke while flapping a tea towel. Romantic, it was not. But the fire *eventually* did its thing. And it was glorious. Just... keep the windows open.
About that Drents-Friese Wold view... is it *actually* as dreamy as it sounds?
Okay, the view. It's stunning, don't get me wrong. Acres of green, the sky stretching on forever, birdsong... I'm trying not to sound like a travel brochure, but it's hard. Sunset colors over the forest? Unreal.
But... and there's always a 'but', isn't there? Those beautiful views translate to a *lot* of nature. Like, *a lot*. Meaning? Bugs. Little buzzing, biting, crawling things. Remember that picnic I planned? Turns out, the local insect population considers me a mobile buffet. Plus, prepare for the occasional "friendly" cow moo-ing directly outside your window at 6 AM. It's... charming. Eventually.
Okay, Bugs, Cows, and Smoke Alarms. Is there *anything* good about the location of this place?
Look, I wouldn't live there if it was completely awful. It's quiet. Seriously, *quiet*. No city noise. Just... nature sounds. Which, depending on the day, are either peaceful or a bit creepy. The stars at night? Blazing. Absolutely dazzling. And the air! Crisp, clean, feels like you can *breathe*. My lungs are actually thanking me.
Any advice for someone *actually* considering staying there?
Bring bug spray. Mountains of it. Seriously. Learn to appreciate the symphony of cow moos. Embrace the quiet (or go a little stir-crazy – it’s a fine line). And, maybe most importantly, get a good working relationship with the chimney. Test it BEFORE you have guests over! Otherwise, it’s a pretty amazing place. Just... be prepared for the unexpected. And maybe a slightly singed eyebrow. You’ll have a great time, though, really, you will. (Just remember the bug spray.)
Anything else to know? Hidden Perks? Secret Issues? Spill the Tea already!
Okay, okay! Secret perks. The neighbours are lovely, and they seem to have a perpetual supply of delicious, freshly baked bread. Seriously, the best I've ever tasted! Secret issue? The internet is occasionally... temperamental. Don't expect Netflix marathons during peak viewing hours. Bring a good book (and a lighter, for the fireplace). And a backup phone charger, just in case. And maybe some earplugs for the cow. And... well, you get the idea. But honestly? I'd totally recommend it. Despite the occasional insect invasion and the smoke alarms’ enthusiasm. It’s the imperfections that make it, well, *home*. (Even if it's not *my* permanent home.)
Cleaning? Is it a nightmare? Or okay?
Cleaning... well, it depends on your definition of "okay." Because of the location, you get dust. And leaves. And occasionally, little bits of the forest blown in by the wind. The upside? Dust bunnies are surprisingly friendly. The downside? I'm pretty sure I'll be finding pine needles in my hair forever. Let's just say, a robotic vacuum is HIGHLY recommended.
