50's Style 2 BR Family Houseboat Apt with terrace

This is a ship with an amazing history. She was built in 1943 with only one purpose: transport ammunition and fuel from England to France to keep the allied war machine going and win the war. Just after the war, in 1951, she ended up in Amsterdam where she could take it easy. We are proud and happy to live aboard this concrete ship and share the front part with you. As a tribute to her hard labour during WW2, we decided to renovate this place and give it a jolly 50's theme. War is over, time to celebrate life!

We warmly welcome families up to four (sorry, but no more!) and couples traveling together. The whole boat is very well insulated and offers good heating so you will be comfortably warm even on the coldest winter nights.

You descend to the living room from the deck by a stairway that is slightly more steep than the average stairs, please take this into mind before booking. For most guests this is no problem at all, but I thought it would be good to mention it and be as clear as possible to avoid disappointments.

There is floor heating all through the apartment, and central heating in the bedrooms. We offer a tastefully decorated master bedroom with a comfortable double bed (160x200 cm) and a second cool bedroom with a bunkbed (1 bed is 80x200 cm and 1 bed is 80x190 cm). 

The good old days

In the living room you will feel like you're back in the good old days, thanks to the retro wall paper, vintage furniture and even a real record player. Don't worry: if you're tired of the golden oldies vinyl records, you can simply connect your own device and choose your own music. Thanks to the many portholes there will be a pleasant breeze if you want, making it literally a cool place - even during hot summer days.  

In the kitchen there is a fridge with freezer and a sink - also with a retro look to it. Due to local regulations we are not allowed to offer cooking facilities unfortunately. However, with so much wonderful restaurants at walking distance, in general this is not considered to be a problem by our guests. From the kitchen you have access to the bathroom, tastefully decorated with two portholes and a comfortable rain shower, sink and toilet. 

Outside space

In front of the deck you have your own little terrace where you can enjoy a drink or a smoke (note: smoking inside is strictly forbidden, as well as the use of any drugs. If you violate this rule, we will have to ask you to leave). 

Location of the Houseboat   

The location in the east side of the city is very convenient for those travellers who like a quit night sleep and have a lot of space around them. By bike you will get anywhere in town in less then 30 minutes. You will find a bike rental pretty much around the corner. 

Just wander around and you will see the great history of this old harbor area. At the same time you will enjoy the many places to buy local grown food, great coffee and wines and of course the organic market around the corner, every Wednesday.   If you're traveling by car, we're glad to say that there is a cheap parking area at just 15 minutes distance (5 minutes tram and 10 minutes walking) where you can park for only 8 euro/day instead of the normal 3 - 4 euro/hour in the city.

Some important house rules

Please note that we do live on the same boat, but we respect your privacy. We will do the check in and show you around, and we're there if you have any questions. But for the rest, you probably won't even notice that we're there. 

And one last important remark: we live in a residential area and we respect each others night rest. So know that our boat is not a party boat! Therefore we kindly ask not to make any noise after 22.00. You can smoke on the front deck terrace, but inside smoking and the use of drugs of any kind is strictly forbidden. If we notice that you do not respect these house rules, we are forced to ask you to leave without compensation of any kind. Thanks for understanding ;-) 

About the history of our concrete war ship  

After the war this boat has found it's way to Amsterdam where it's been used as a houseboat ever since 1953. She's docked in the eastern part of Amsterdam called Zeeburg. The name Forecastle is chosen because this part is actually the real forecastle of the original ship where the crew used to be situated during the crossing of The Channel. Now the space has been completely renovated, but we have managed to maintain lots of original details. Take the ceiling for example: the heavy concrete beams, and even the original fuel hoses are still visible. In the kitchen we have exposed the heavy steel reinforcement of the hull so show the 'core' of the ship. It is a unique insight in one of the most amazing vessels you will find in Amsterdam. 

From Schiphol Airport:

Take the train to Station Amsterdam Amstel (10 min.)

Take Bus 65 to stop Borneolaan (12 min.)

Walk to (4 minutes)

Amsterdam Zeeburt, and the old harbor especially, is one of the best kept secrets. Enjoy the wide, open area after a great day in the beautiful city of Amsterdam. No drunk tourists at night, just the calm waves kissing the boat, laying peaceful in this haven of tranquility.