You can’t go far in the Netherlands without noticing water. In fact, the country is built around its myriad waterways and polder (aka dams), and traveling by boat is one of the best ways to enjoy the place (I should know; I spent a magic day on the canals with my Amsterdam-based brother and our children not too long ago).
The Werf Ijlst Sinnehúskes sit on the water’s edge on a wharf in the northern town of Ijls in Friesland. Dutch firm Zijlstra Architecten took a former shipyard and built four sustainable, timber holiday homes, each solar-powered and with a ship hall occupying an adjoining building used for events. The simple modern houses are sparsely but comfortably furnished; each comes with its own dock and a boat for easy cruising of local canals. For booking information, go to Urlaubsarchitektur.
Above: The rear of the Werf IJlst Sinnehúskes houses; each has its own dock and Sinneskou aluminum scow, replicas of wooden ones that were built in the shipyard for local farmers and fishermen.
Above: A crisp modern kitchen and dining area.
Above: The four units are each configured slightly differently, but comes with the same essential furnishings.
Above: The interiors are clad in sustainable wood panels.
Above: A master bedroom under the eaves.
Above: The houses have both double and single rooms.
Above: Even the keys reference nautical life.
Above: Each house has an outdoor dining area.
Above: The Sinneskou aluminum scows lined up by the jetty’s at the rear of the houses.
Above: A view of the wharf.
N.B. For more places to visit in the Netherlands, check out our City Guide.
Have a Question or Comment About This Post?
Join the conversation