Did you know that many Dutch lakes are hidden in the middle of the Randstad? One of the best-known lakes is the Vinkeveense Plassen. A very special lake characterised by elongated sandy islands. On the expansive lakes is a special island with a tiny house. We are going to enjoy this special accommodation called Island Life this weekend. I want to take you to this wonderful island on the water in the sun. A real hidden gem, which can only be reached by boat.
By boat to the island - Across the lakes
We were warmly welcomed by boat and waited for by the owners from the car park. From here, we took the boat to the islet. The ride takes about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, we enjoyed the beauty of the lakes and surroundings. Changeable weather was forecast but this was not to spoil our fun. After a small rain shower, we dock at the islet. Wow, what a special place!
The private island - Surrounded by water
Island life is a private island of about 400m2 located in the Noorderplas of the Vinkeveense Plassen and at the head of a series of small islands. Truly unique! From the island you have an insanely beautiful view over the water. You can see the sunrise and sunset from here. Magical, isn't it? The Vinkeveense Plassen is a nature and water sports area centrally located in the Randstad. The elongated sandy islands are legacies that used to be used as drying fields for the still wet peat. The legacies and loose islands are 80% owned by private individuals, who use the islands for recreation. Island Life is one of the loose islets.
All facilities on one island - A BBQ, hot tub and private jetty
Our own private island is beautifully green and quietly located, offering plenty of privacy. The tiny house is serenely furnished with a nice atmosphere. There is a separate sleeping area with a double bedstead and a separate shower with toilet. And there is extra sleeping space in the form of a sofa bed for three people to spend the night in the tiny house. Outside, there is also a sleeping boat for two people to sleep in. Next to our tiny house is a sloop bobbing in the water that we can make use of to explore the area or just go boating without a plan. Going on an adventure with the supboards is also possible.
The island has a spacious garden with lots of greenery, flowers and herbs like fresh mint that you can pick. There is a BBQ, a wood-fired hot tub and a jetty for when you want to take a splash in the crystal-clear water. There are enough facilities here to make you feel good without necessarily having to leave the island. A blissful place where nothing is compulsory but everything is possible.
Dinner at Restaurant Boathouse - By boat to the restaurant
After putting all our stuff in our house, the sun started to break through and we decided to go for a boat ride. Along the lakes there are many cafés and restaurants, so you don't have to lug a lot of groceries around. We decided to stop at Restaurant Boathouse in Vinkeveen for a bite to eat and a drink. The restaurant is just a ten-minute boat ride from the little island. You'll also pass a supermarket on the way, should you want to pick up any treats for the evening or morning.
Feeding ducks - Visit from John, Anita and the family
Back on our little island, we relaxed in the cottage with fresh mint tea. The surroundings are wonderfully quiet in the evening, you hear very little except the rustling of the wind, birdsong or quacking ducks and boats passing by. The special thing about this little island is that we were surprised every day by John, Anita and the family. And no, these are not persons but ducklings who came by to be fed. In the cottage there is a jar of food especially for them. And they know that very well.
In the hot tub at sunset - Dreaming away with a view of the water
Before sunset, we enjoyed a lovely wood-fired hot tub. Dreaming away in the hot tub and staring at the flickering lights of the setting sun on the water. Just the right ingredient for that unique island feeling.
The next morning, we woke up to a magical sunrise. To our surprise, the twittering ducks were once again at our doorstep. One last feed before we were picked up and returned to land. How fantastic it was here! We had enjoyed it with a big G. This is where I want to come back and unwind more often!
Love,
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