Buitenhuys 07

Living in a greenhouse? It sounds unusual. But hey, why not?—that’s what Dutch/German hosts Mariëlle Leenen and Tobias Koch thought when designing a new house for a piece of empty land Marielle had come across. A big greenhouse was purchased and transformed into an extraordinary additional living space with sweeping views across the meadows to the dike along the Markermeer. A passageway leads from the glasshouse to the main house—a bright wooden structure—into the glass-walled extension, which will become your favorite spot the moment you step inside. From here, you can watch cyclists on the dike in the far distance, count the masts of the sailboats on the Markermeer, or, with a bit of luck, even spot a hare darting across the field. The sofa converts into a bed, and if you open the blinds and the skylights, you’ll feel as though you’re sleeping under the open sky. The wooden house itself also reflects the design signature of the Buitenhuys family, under whose name the hosts rent out several homes in the Netherlands: plenty of light, a well-thought-out floor plan, and furnishings that make you feel right at home. The kitchen, dining area, and living room flow seamlessly into one another. The wooden table forms the centerpiece of the house—perfect for long breakfasts, cooking together, or a game night. A mindful approach to materials is part of the concept: many pieces of furniture and accessories have been restored, reused, or reinterpreted, bringing the Buitenhuys family’s relaxed, personal style to life. Surrounding the house and greenhouse is a spacious garden with various seating areas, a hammock, a trampoline, and plenty of room to play. It’s just a few minutes’ walk to the Markermeer, where you can swim in the lake, and the historic port towns of Hoorn and Enkhuizen are nearby. But the most beautiful spot is probably the greenhouse itself: from the first cup of coffee in the garden to the last glance at the sky through the glass roof, the boundaries between indoors and outdoors blur here. Sometimes a thunderstorm rolls across the glass roof; other times, the evening sun bathes the meadows in golden light—at Buitenhuys 07, you’re always right in the middle of it all.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• Living in the greenhouse and experiencing the surroundings up close
• The unobstructed view across the fields to the Markermeer—the grasses swaying gently in the wind instantly put you at ease
• Everyone finds their own spot in the spacious garden: with a trampoline, a hammock, a picnic table, and an outdoor fireplace
• The creative style and the many little playful details that give the house a personal atmosphere
• Details like the reclaimed brick floor and the fireplace inside the glasshouse, as well as the many little surprises inside - from the old Triumph typewriter to the gymnastic rings in the living room
• Sunrise, sunset, starry skies, rain or shine: the greenhouse always offers a spectacular natural spectacle
• The cleverly designed spaces with drawers full of toys under the raised platform in the living room
• That the hosts are happy to offer tips, helping you quickly find the most beautiful spots in the area

GOOD TO KNOW:

• The house accommodates up to 4 people and a baby. There is one bedroom in the main house, as well as additional sleeping arrangements in the greenhouse and living area
• A crib, plenty of toys, and numerous opportunities for playing and running around both indoors and outdoors are available
• The bathroom is located between the bedroom and the living room and can be separated from the living area and the bedroom with large wooden doors. A high window gives you privacy and lets in natural light.
• The house is located in small a car-free vacation community with about fifty individually designed homes owned by private owners.
• The house is also suitable for longer stays that include workdays. The view of the meadows stretching to the dike along the Markermeer creates space for focused work and relaxing breaks.
• Floor heating in the main house and a wood-burning stove in the greenhouse ensure a cozy stay even during the colder seasons.
• The Markermeer offers many small beaches and shallow areas for wading into the water, or you can rent a boat and sail to the beautiful mooring spots around the lake our the creeks.
• The best way to get there is by car; the house is located in Venhuizen in North Holland, right between Hoorn and Enkhuizen on the Markermeer.
• Things to do: bike rides along the dike, walks by the water, or trips to the historic port cities of Hoorn and Enkhuizen—both cities are situated on the Markermeer and combine maritime charm with history, narrow streets, and lovely cafés.
• If you enjoy your stay here, you might also want to try another of the hosts' properties: Buitenhuys 20 in the Vewluwe.