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Premium
#25367
Calm & childfriendly oasis of quiet, near Amsterdam, The Hague
House • Rijpwetering Netherlands
Exchange types accepted
Hospitality Description: There are few slots in a year that the home will be empty, I'll happily host you for those periods!
Statistics
Listed November 2023
Views 3412
General Overview
Welcome to our cosy home!
It's in a rural area - a tipycal tiny village in Dutch countryside - yet only 20 mins away from Schiphol, 15 mins to Leiden, 25-40 mins to Amsterdam, The Hague, Delft or Katwijk beach.
We have two friendly cats (friendly to humans that is) - they will be staying at home when we're away. They are outside a lot and just need feeding and occasionally a hug :).
The Space
There are 3 bedrooms, a livingroom with dining area, and a cosy kitchen. The sofa in the living room can also be pulled out to create a sleeping space for 1 or 2 ( slightly less comfortable when 2) people.
Guest Access
The living room, kitchen and toilet are on the ground floor. 3 bedrooms and shower are on the 1st floor. There is a pull out stairs that takes you to attic- this is generally not open to use by guests.
Backyard is fenced, there is a trampoline and outdoor toys for younger kids. it is south facing and can be enjoyed for relaxation.
We also have a small allotment that is about 10 mins walk from home - I grow organic vegetables there. During warmer month I might ask for some assistance with watering. Of course you can help yourself and pick whatever grows there!
Unfortunately the home is not suitable for wheelchair users or other pets.
Notes
Our home is smoke free. My children are 5 and almost 11 so we have plenty of toys to accommodate younger guests. A travel cot and high chair can be provided if required.
Due to school-aged children there are limitations to availability and how long we can travel.
Interests for 2025: Europe
Interests for 2026: Japan and Hong Kong. but continue to be open to EU destinations
Features
Washer
Clothes dryer
Oven
Microwave
Coffee machine
Fridge
Iron
Hair dryer
Heating
TV
WiFi
High Speed Internet
Smoke alarms
Bed sheets
Towels
Workspace
Toys
BBQ
Garden / yard
Bikes
Travel Styles
Weekend
Budget
Family
Foodie
Relaxing
Eco
Luxury
City
Village
Mountains
Beach
Culture
Hiking
Last minute
Good public transport
House Rules
Suitable for infants under 2
Suitable for children ages 2-12
Pets not allowed
No smoking
Allergens
Dog free
Smoke free
Dates of Availability
Click on availability periods to see exchange types and descriptions.
Available
Neighbourhood
What AI says about our area:
Nestled within a tapestry of fields, canals, and windmills, Rijpwetering is a charming and historic village. It offers tranquillity, where walking and cycling routes wind through picturesque landscapes. As spring unfolds, the region transforms into a kaleidoscope of colours, showcasing tulip fields that are part of the renowned "Bollenstreek," the Dutch heartland of tulip cultivation.
In the summer, the enchantment continues as you have the opportunity to rent a small boat ("sloep") to navigate the waters and explore the area.
Within a mere half-hour radius, the allure of iconic tourist hotspots such as Amsterdam and The Hague awaits, but let me share a well-kept secret with you – make sure to explore Leiden. This vibrant city is home to the oldest university in the Netherlands, and its historic botanical garden whispers tales of centuries past. Delight in the wonders of famous museums like Naturalis and Lakenhal, indulge in delectable dining experiences, savour fabulous views, and immerse yourself in captivating events throughout the seasons.
From the magic of a floating ice-skating rink and a quaint old-style Christmas market in winter to the lively "life action" Rembrandt weekend in the warmth of summer, Leiden offers a kaleidoscope of experiences.
Leiden is a haven for museum enthusiasts, to name just a few:
- Naturalis, a prominent natural history museum, unveils the wonders of the natural world, featuring awe-inspiring exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to biodiversity.
- Space Expo in Katwijk (a short drive away) offers an enthralling journey into the cosmos with interactive displays and captivating insights into space exploration.
- Lakenhal Museum, steeped in history, showcases Dutch masterpieces and contemporary art, providing a visual feast for art connoisseurs.
- The Museum of Antiquities takes visitors on a captivating voyage through ancient civilizations, boasting an impressive collection of artefacts. - For a unique fusion of history and nature, Sieboldhuis, coupled with the enchanting Hortus Botanicus, offers a delightful blend of Japanese treasures and botanical wonders.
- Valk Mill, where the historic windmill provides a glimpse into the Dutch milling tradition, creating a comprehensive and enriching cultural mosaic in the heart of Leiden.
Getting to my home
Netherlands is a tiny country and distances are short.
By car:
- Only 20 mins from Schiphol Airport
- 45 mins from Amsterdam central or Rotterdam Central (Eurostar hub).
Exploring the country from our home by public transport:
- Take a bus from home to Leiden (bus stop at 2 mins walk, bus goes twice per hour)
From Leiden, take a train:
- 15 mins to Schiphol
- 17 mins to The Hague
- 30 mins to Rotterdam Eurostar
- 40 mins to Amsterdam
Nearest airport
Schiphol, 20mins drive or about 1hr by public transport
Getting Around
Rijpwetering is a tiny village so there is no supermarket. However, there is a "driving shop" called 'Melkboer' who comes to the street multiple times a week and is good for all basics. Nearest supermarket and some shops are in in nearby villages/town at 8-15mins car ride. You can also use online grocery delivery service from main supermarkets.
Rijpwetering does have 3 restaurants - de Vergulde Vos for example is over 400 years old establishment! - all within 10 mins walking distance. Parking is on the street and free. A little drive away (around 15mins) there is a Green Michelin star restaurant - de Dyck in Woubrugge.
There are plenty of beautiful walking/cycling routes. You can also rent a boat and explore the canals. Nearest historical windmill is around 10-15 mins of leisurely walk, but isn't accessible to public (still, great views!).
Map of Approximate Location
This member has chosen to hide this section from Non-Premium members.
People Like Us Local Guide
I can give all the ins and outs of visiting the area with kids under 12y - places to see, places to avoid, where to eat, best museums etc. I might even join you with my mini-crew!
Feedback
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We had a great time and it is a lovely area. We spent a lot of time in Leiden which is a pretty and interesting town and everyone was so friendly. It also has good train links. Public transport was reliable but not always very frequent. Elena was very prompt in replying and had made sure we had everything we needed. -
Elena's house is really lovely. It was just perfect size for our family (2+2), there was everything we needed. It is family friendly, our kids enjoyed the toys a lot. The biggest advantage of the house is the location. Not only it is a lovely village but also a perfect base to explore Netherlands. Amsterdam, Leiden, Rotterdam, the Hague, Gouda, Haarlem - are all very close from the house(between 15 and 45 minutes). There are also so many great museum nearby, it was difficult which ones to choose! We can highly recommend staying at Elena's house! -
Elena's home was in a lovely location, a quiet village area but with waterways around and a few restaurants. It was in a great location for us to be able to visit Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Haarlem and Utrecht and then we drove to a number of beaches and lakes on our other days. Elena has plenty of children's toys which our little ones loved and garden toys + trampoline too. -
The house of Elena and her family is very welcoming and typical of Dutch houses. Its location is ideal for visiting Leiden or Amsterdam. For those who have a vehicle, I recommend taking a day trip to Haarlem and also enjoying a stroll on the island of Marken. We have lots of lovely memories of our stay, thank you Elena!
Premium
Elena
** Seeking snow end of Feb '25 + EU destinations beyond**
4 global citizens here: 2 wonderful children (Apr '12 and Nov '19). Mom (I, the account holder) originally from Ukraine, but raised in the Netherlands and lived in Great Britain for a while. Dad works in London. We enjoy visiting museums, going to the beach and walks in the local parks/nature areas. We try to be a little more eco-conscious in our surroundings as well, so prefer to travel by train when possible.
We would love to explore all types of destinations with our little family, so please don't feel limited by the 'desired destinations' and just get in touch!
Only looking for EU this year, actively seeking an exchange in Japan and Hong Kong in 2026
Travelling group
My Desired Destinations
Open to any destination
Dates Flexible
"Ideally a week or more over summer or other school holidays"
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"Strong preference for (end of) winter period"
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"Have to work around school holidays but interested in shorter stays so moreflexibility. Interested all year round. Ideally by public transport from NL."
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"All year round for short stays, have to work around school holidays in NL though. Keen on city trips that can be reached by train from NL"
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"Spring or summer 2026. Looking for multiple locations to do 3-4 week exploration"
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