High-end Family Houseboat with Garden (200sqm+)

Actually we did not want to write this review because it would decrease the chance of it being available the next time we visit Amsterdam. However, with the amount of TLC that the owners have put into it, is seems only fair to share our experience and give a big thumbs up. We live in London, and wanted to get away from it all during our spring break. Our choice for this XXL houseboat was just perfect: the place is not only very spacious but also offers an amazing interior design. The boat itself is very suitable for families and the kids will for sure like their rooms! The garden is a wonderful place to be, and it was hard to leave it to be honest. However, we wanted to enjoy the city centre of Amsterdam too - so we had to eventually. After a short walk to the station (I guess around 1/2 a mile) it is just a 10 minute ride with the train to central station. Perfect for a day trip to the city and getting back is just as easy - also later in the evening. And getting back was always a happy moment, it felt like the houseboat had been waiting for us ;-)

Thanks for having us and all the best to you and your family! 

Michael and his family’s houseboat was a big hit with the whole family. It is beautifully built and a very modern and clean space. The fact that the two teenage boys could use the small rowing boat and paddle boards was fantastic as despite the rain they loved coming back from Amsterdam and taking to the water! The houseboat is nearer to the train station than we anticipated and the walk there is through a lovely area so the walk is very pleasant. The location of the houseboat made for a perfect few days away as we had both the countryside and city practically on our doorstep. I would highly recommend it to fellow travelers.

The term houseboat does not do this property justice it is a large, spacious, well appointed house that happens to be floating in the water. You really do get the best of both worlds. On one side of the house you have the large expanse of open water along with a pontoon deck complete with small rowboat and paddle board so you can explore the water. On the other side you have a lovely garden complete with shaded areas, with a table and chairs for outdoor family meals.

It would be tempting just to stay in the house on the water or in the garden but this floating house just happens to be ideally located. In the immediate vicinity you are on the edge of acres of public open space and a nature reserve . Within approximately 800m you have the station with three trains an hour South to Amsterdam Central Station ( journey time approximately 10 min) and North to Haarlem ( journey time approximately 8 min) that is why the area is called Halfweg ( halfway between Amsterdam and Haarlem) Haarlem is ideal for those that find Amsterdam a little bit full on but still want canals waterside restaurants shops and picturesque flower lined streets. Haarlem is a bit of an undiscovered gem and only a couple of miles from the coast with its beachfront restaurants, bars and beach clubs.

Rather than taking the train the cycle paths many of which are completely separate from the roads give you the idea opportunity to get the whole family out on bikes. Either bring your own or hire some from the hire shop which is close to the station and get out on those cycle paths. Cycling with 10 and 12 year old children we could be in Haarlem within 30 minutes and on the beach in just under an hour.

Last but not least there are two very good restaurants within a 10 minute walk.

We had a fantastic family holiday in a lovely floating house in an ideal location and cannot wait to return.

We visited Amsterdam early spring and stayed on this houseboat that is located just 10 minutes from Amsterdam. Very good train connection and a truly amazing surrounding. The fields around the lake are really wonderful and it is a great area to go walking and enjoy the peace and quiet after an exciting day in the city. Our girls enjoyed themselves in the garden (never thought to find so much private outside space near Amsterdam) while we could sit back and relax in the sun loungers. The houseboat itself is more like a floating villa: stylish, comfortable and super spacious for sure (hight ceilings - loved it!). And last but not least there is the water life that is ever changing, with birds swimming by, mingling and defending their territory - pretty much a Discovery nature documentary right in front of your house ;-) This really felt like the dream house for us, heaven on earth - we hope to be back one day during the summer! 

What a beautiful houseboat! We had a wonderful stay. The water was perfect for swimming, fab range of toys for the little one and it was clean & spacious. We loved visiting the Van Gogh & Eye film museums. Public transport links excellent- 10 minutes walk & 10 minutes train to Amsterdam Centraal. We survived the heatwave! Thank you very much for your hospitality

I was so lucky to stay on this magnificent houseboat with my wife and three kids during our holiday in March. I really wanted to show the city of Amsterdam to our two sons and daughter and share the great memories we had some years ago, before they were born. At the same time we wanted a place where they could run around without us watching them all the time. Well we found such a a place and we can only congratulate Michael for living here with his family. What a space, what a beautiful surrounding (loved going for a morning walk before we went into town) and what an amazing houseboat this is! The boat was built only a few years ago and I think all the work was really well done: great eye for detail and lots of love for the interior design. The ceilings are really super high, the kitchen is wonderful (I love cooking and enjoyed my hours here a lot!) and the bathroom is just perfect for larger families.

Going into the city takes about 20 - 25 minutes and is very easy because of the train stopping at less than 1 km distance from the boat. We rented bikes and that made it even easier to get around. Staying here felt a bit like staying in heaven, and I can imagine that staying here in the summer time is even more special.

Oh, and communication was very easy - friendly and welcoming hosts! Thanks for sharing your wonderful home with us!

Perfect location and setting for our family holiday. The houseboat was incredibly styled and comfortable inside. We had the most amazing weather and spent a lot of time in the water literally outside, either swimming, paddle boarding or in the boat. We hired bikes whilst we were there and spent days pedaling to either Amsterdam or Haarlem about a 40/50 minute ride. Rene our host was a star and always on hand to help or give us tips. We would love to return one day soon and can definitely recommend to anybody looking for a perfect family holiday (actually we already have!). The Salotti’s