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Small scale luxury is the ideal way to unwind and enjoy ones time. This is the exact reason I opted to stay at the Batenborg Bed & Breakfast in the northern parts of the Netherlands close to my roots at the Lauwersmeer, a national park. During three days I went back exploring this beautiful area with lots of nature, culture and activities – more on that in separate blog posts. The Batenborg Bed & Breakfast was my home for these days and this experience I would like to share with you.
History of the national monument Batenborg
If I stay at a place which has an interesting historical background I always like to know about it. In this case this was not different. History goes back to the 17th century with the current building build in 1854 on pre-existing foundations. The complex is a national monument and therefore a special place to stay. During the centuries ownership changed from various noble families until in 1954 the van Swinderen family bought the Batenborg property which name goes back to the early 19th century. The van Swinderen family build the house which now serves as the bed and breakfast. On the second floor you can still admire the coat of arms of the family. The current owners, the family Geertsema, turned this national monument into a luxury bed and breakfast for guest to unwind.
Bed & Breakfast Batenborg
The Bed & Breakfast Batenborg is located in a countryish area east of the Lauwersmeer close to the village called Winsum. I had requested an early check-in due to some activities later on the day. Driving a bit fast and my navigation being of by a few hundreds of meters had me turn around as I passed due to the hurry. The stress would soon go away, I knew, when I arrived at Batenborg. When I opened the 140 cm wide heavy door of this monumental property I knew this was a place I would enjoy. The hallway with high ceilings brings you to the cozy living room and the breakfast room. A small authentic staircase brings you to the second floor where you find the two bedrooms.
Every single room is full of authentic details. In the halls you find some original parts of old frescos which date back over a century. The living room will give you a place to read, talk or if you really want to watch some TV. The breakfast area opposite of the living room is large with still an authentic cupboard bed which might be in use sometimes (ask the owners for the story!). Every single room has huge windows making them bright and spacious while giving you a great view into the nature around the property. The bedrooms on the second floor are large with windows almost from floor to ceiling.
As the owners have beside the bed & breakfast a shop specialized in beds (Geertsema Slaapcomfort) you can imagine how the beds are: the best ones! I slept on a Batenborg Special Edition from Carpe Diem which formed in the shape of my body perfectly! I tend to have back pain now and then but this was gone after the first night sleep. What a relief it is waking up fully relaxed without pain. Authentic floors, a local poem on the wall and great small details make the room a place you can call home. It is luxury with a very authentic flavor!
The area
The luxury Bed & Breakfast Batenborg is located just outside of the village Winsum in the north of the Netherlands. The ideal place to explore the national park Lauwersmeer and surrounding area including the UNESCO World Heritage Site the Waddenzee. Batenborg can be reached easily by car or bike but also by boat over the Winsumerdiep and you can dock your boat just opposite the bed & breakfast. Bikes are available for rent for those who like to explore the area on bike. You still find a few parts of the old gardens like a line of oak tries, a small part of the canal around the property. The views are amazing over the fields surrounding the place. I will cover the nature, culture and activities in the area in separate articles as there is so much to do and see for everyone.
Dining & Drinking at Bed & Breakfast Batenborg
Throughout the day you can make a nice Nespresso coffee or a tea with a wide variety to choose from. Breakfast is served in the breakfast room at the time you prefer. My apologies for requesting a 7:30 AM breakfast on a Sundays 🙂 The choice at breakfast is large including various cheeses, meats, breads, fruits and more. A fresh orange juice but moreover the serene view over the fields outside make sure your day will start well. Flowers which decorate the breakfast table are a very nice detail for this over complete luxury breakfast.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a luxury place for a stay up north in the Netherlands than Batenborg Bed & Breakfast is the place to stay. Authentic luxury rooms, small-scale and a breakfast you will never forget make this a great place to unwind. Beautiful nature, culture and activities around the Lauwersmeer national park or the UNESCO World Heritage Site the Waddenzee will keep you busy during the day. With the best beds in town you will sleep the clock round, guaranteed. Future plans include a 3rd appartment room with living area, bedroom and a bath room with whirlpool & steam cabins. I hope to be back soon as I already miss this place I could call home for three days.
More information please find at the website of Bed & Breakfast Batenborg.
Website: http://www.bedandbreakfastbatenborg.nl/
Facebook: Batenborg on Facebook
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Gallery of Bed & Breakfast Batenborg
** All opinions are based on a genuine stay, flight or experience. I’m not affiliated with the hotel, airline or tour operator but I might be (partially) sponsored – or paid. **
