Feeling like a princess

Before I tell you where today's photo's were taken, I would like to thank you for your kind comments on last weeks post and for participating in my giveaway. I am sorry I am neglecting you a bit lately, but I am in the garden a lot and working on a new project at home...oh and I have to go to work too :-).

The lovely book Geniessen im Garten goes to Francis, from the blog By Surprise. I believe this is the first time that a giveaway of mine is going to someone who lives in my home town Rotterdam. Francis. I am really happy that Annebelle picked your name. I think you will like the book very much. It will give you lots of ideas for your own garden and delicious recipes to prepare for your children and granddaughter. Could you please email me your address?

Last weekend I felt like a princess. I stayed in the Bed and Breakfast of a friend of mine, who I met through work. We made a deal. I would take photo's of her horse, in exchange for a night in her lovely B&B. It was one of the best deals I made in a long time :-) My friend's B&B is called De Keekener and is near Kleve in Germany, in an area which is outstandingly beautiful. If you like wide open countryside, far stretching views and a taste of country life, this is the place! The rooms are clean and comfortable and my friend Sjanne an excellent host. Dear Sjanne, thank you once more, for your hospitality and your friendship. I had the best of times! xox

We visited the Millinger Theetuin, which is only half an hours drive from the B&B on bicyle. It's a lovely ride through the Millingerwaard nature reserve and along the banks of the river Rhine. I have been there a few years ago, but it looked totally different now. Although it was a dark and rainy day, the garden looked beautiful in all it's spring glory. Don't you just love the blossoms on the trees?! I can't get enough of them :-)

Taking you to my garden next time.

Wishing you a lovely week ahead. Have fun!

Madelief x 

The photo's above this text were made in the Millinger theetuin. Below this text at B&B De Keekener

It would be lovely to sleep in a cherry tree all white with bloom in the moonshine, don't you think? You could imagine you are dwelling in marble halls. Couldn't you?!  

By A. M. Montgomery

A great place to stay

 

In Bergen, a beautiful village, close to the seaside, in the Dutch province North Holland, a lovely Bed & Breakfast is situated. It's called 'In de Aap'. We were lucky to stay there for three day's last week.

Our room was called 'The Casita'. It's on the ground floor of the B&B and has a Mediterranean feel to it. The walls are covered in soft pink plaster, which looks a bit like Moroccan tadelakt. Patio doors open to the front garden. There is a small seating area, a four poster bed, a little kitchen and a stylish bathroom with a rain shower. We both loved it!

In the morning a delicious breakfast was served in our room, with fresh rolls, juice, fruit, eggs,  & yoghurt.

In de Aap is a great place to stay. It's conveniently situated for enjoying the sea, the beautiful dunes and the towns of Haarlem and Alkmaar. They are both within half an hour's drive. Even Amsterdam is not too far away.

In this post a small selection of the photo's I made. I will show you some more of Bergen and the surrounding countryside soon.

Hope you are enjoying your summer holiday too!

Love,

Madelief x

Design Classics and Vintage Treasures

 

 

 

 

A ten minute drive from the seaside, close to Breskens and the Belgian border, an old farmhouse is nestled among fields. When you come from Ellewoutsdijk and drive in the direction of Hoofdplaat, on the N678, you can't miss it. A long driveway with huge trees leads you to it. It looks striking.

When you enter the house through the back door, it immediately feels good. The high ceilings and large windows on both sides, make it light and spacious. There is colour everywhere. From the blue walls in the sitting room, the green bedroom to the orange clogs in the hall :-). I love the interior: the comfortable grand mother chairs combined with vintage lamps, old and new photo's, the large kitchen table and the stylish bathroom. However, what I love best is the amazing view. When you look out of the window, past the old willow trees and the well taken care of garden, all you can see is rows of onions and potatoes. In the distance some cows are grazing and the white flowers of  the maw seed dance in the wind.

When you step on your bicycle, it's only five minutes before you are at the Wester Scheldt. We loved to go there after dinner, to see the sun set and look for seals on a sandbank in the estuary.

My friends are still working on the house, but to me that only adds to its charm. Things don't have to be all done up and perfect, to be beautiful! If you are interested in renting it, please have a look at their website Datisonshuis. You will spot it immediately. The house can accommodate up to six people. It has all mod cons, and you can use their bicycles as well.

Happy Wednesday! Hope it's just as sunny in your part of the world as in mine!

Love,

Madelief x