Lovely Luxury Apartment in the Countryside Near Amsterdam

07/07/2005

VRBO Bear stayed here:

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This bear couldn’t believe what a nice find Country and Lake was! Located just outside the charming village of Edam, Country and Lake sits across the street from the beach and is surrounded by open farms. The friendly hosts write and direct plays in nearby Edam and are becoming well known around the world. They have been to Sundance by invitation of Robert Redford himself and have taken their work to Broadway and many other major cities around the US, Caribbean, and Europe. You will want to schedule plenty of time to get to know them better.

Both apartments are very nice. This bear and his friends loved them both, and felt right at home in the open surroundings. All possible amenities are offered, and then some, such as the use of bikes – the preferred mode of transportation for many Hollanders.

Nearby Edam is a real jewel. It's that little quaint European village you always dreamed of but maybe never found. Edam celebrates 650 years 'City Rights' in 2007. There will be festivities all over then. Today it appears to have lost none of its original charm. Well known for the cheese it exports, Edam is a place to get lost in for several relaxing days. Parking is easy in Edam, or use the bikes and be there just about as quickly.

You can catch a nice bus at Edam and find yourself in Amsterdam in less than half an hour. It’s so easy, and you can transfer to the trams and quickly make your way anywhere in Amsterdam, such as the Van Gogh Museum. If you fly into Amsterdam and rent a car, you’ll find the drive to Country and Lake short and easy.

Country and Lake is a great place to stay in Holland. You’ll feel welcome and right at home, can relax in the quiet surroundings, and yet spend all the time in Amsterdam or touring the surrounding countryside you want.

Signed, VRBO Bear

The VRBO Bear

• Exceeding expectations....

  Exceeding expectations....

  • Guest Irena, Susan, Stefan and Jurian
  • Date of stay 05/16/08
  • Review Submitted 07/01/08
  We enjoyed a wonderful and relaxing two weeks in the Country and Lake apartment - and we don't say that lightly since we travel with two small children (twin boys of 2 years old).... The actualy apartment, amentities and surroundings surpassed any expectations we had based on the descriptions on the Internet. The apartment is beautiful, clean, tastfully decorated (including beautiful bouquets of fresh flowers), and the view (typical Dutch) is magnificent. Many of the days we were there, we just stayed "home", with the kids playing in the big garden (including sandbox), and us, adults, enjoying the quiet and the view. Or we hopped over the dyke to play on the beach. Or we rode our bikes along the dyke to the quaint little town Edam. One of the days we went to Amsterdam to visit the zoo (Artis) and this was only a 40-minutes drive. Saskia and Onny were wonderful hosts and they helped us make the apartment child-friendly (they had two cribs for us available, put up a gate on top of the stairs, and even lent us some toys for the boys!). We were/are so pleased with our stay at the Country and Lake that we are considering coming back there for next year's vacation!

  Recommended for: Tourists without a car, families with young children, romantic getaway.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 6/6

• Peaceful country place accessible to Amsterdam

  Peaceful country place accessible to Amsterdam

  • Guest California visitor
  • Date of stay 06/16/12
  • Review Submitted 06/22/12
  There's always something to watch from the large apartment's living room. The big Holland sky with the ever-changing weather. A large green vista of fields and canals, relaxing to the eyes. Horses pastured nearby, frolicking, gamboling, or just feeding. The industrious farmer who lives next door at his many tasks. Staring out the window at the canals and fields and farm animals feels like being in Holland of 150 years ago. The apartment is modern and clean. We enjoyed cooking in the kitchen. The TV has an excellent sound system. Upstairs, the bedroom is a peaceful airy room with beautiful views of the lake nearby. It has a high ceiling and a wonderful bathtub. Downstairs, a sauna, hot tub, and outdoor patio where we ate when the weather cooperated. Also a computer/laundry room. The owners are super-nice. They gave us rides from the bus station.They also provided us with working bicycles and locks so we could do our errands in nearby Edam, or take the bus to Amsterdam. Most important, they gave us privacy. If you want to spend a week in the Amsterdam area, consider this little slice of heaven, and take the bus when you feel the need to be in the city. Otherwise, enjoy Dutch country life or the charming small town of Edam.

  Recommended for: Tourists without a car, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

• The location and quality of your apartment are among the best we have ever rented.

  The location and quality of your apartment are among the best we have ever rented.

  • Guest Irena
  • Date of stay 03/18/12
  • Review Submitted 05/05/12
  We are writing to thank you for your wonderful hospitality during our recent one-week stay at Country & Lake. The location and quality of your apartment are among the best we have ever rented. In the immediate area we so enjoyed walking on the lakeshore, the fields with the sheep and horses, and the quiet. But the location is also within easy reach of Amsterdam, Keukenhof, and other towns. The apartment is so spacious, with its wonderful views of the lake and the canal. We spent many restful hours simply enjoying those views. And the apartment is so light and airy, with comfortable furniture in the lounge, and the huge dining table in the superbly equipped kitchen. The bedroom, with its ensuite bathroom and balcony overlooking the lake, is truly luxurious. The fresh flowers in the bedroom and the on the kitchen table when we arrived set the tone for wonderful holiday. Using your bicycles to ride along the dike to Edam for the market and to enjoy local shops and restaurants in such a quaint village was very relaxing and great fun. The use of the computer room, laundry and sauna made for a very comfortable stay. Onny, a special thank you for advice on how to eat smoked eel. The meal we made with that and also with smoked mackerel and fresh vegetables from the local market were delicious. We anticipate visiting you again in the years to come.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

• Fantastic property

  Fantastic property

  • Guest Rolinka B.
  • Date of stay 04/29/11
  • Review Submitted 07/14/11
  My friend from Hawai and I sprend 5 lovely days in this fantastic property this spring. We simply enjoyed everything. Communication with Saskia is always prompt and friendly. The daughter picked us up from the bus station in Edam, because we had no car and the house is just a dream. I travel professionally and be on the road for about 35 weeks a year and this is one of the nicest properties I have ever been. Thanks so much. We will absolutely contact you again one day.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• Picture do not do it justice

  Picture do not do it justice

  • Guest Glenn & Niky
  • Date of stay 06/22/10
  • Review Submitted 08/29/10
  Our family stayed here for a week in June as a home base during our visit to The Netherlands. The owners were very welcoming and accommodating. We enjoyed being away from the city and taking day trips around Holland, both nearby and further away. We were driving so every place we visited was very accessible. The atmosphere both in the house and outdoors was very relaxing. Wonderful view of the ijsselmeer from the 3rd floor and of the beautiful green pastures all around from every room!

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• We had a wonderful stay at Country and Lake

  We had a wonderful stay at Country and Lake

  • Guest Sky
  • Date of stay 06/16/10
  • Review Submitted 07/20/10
  We were there in June 2010 and our family of four (two teenagers) loved it and happily would recommend it for individuals, couples or families. The house was extremely well-built and comfortable. Its unique 3-level design reminded me of things one sees in magazine articles. The views of the surroundings were relaxing and beautiful and we enjoyed them at all hours of the day. And the location made it easy to get to everywhere we wanted to. Places like Amsterdam, Edam, Volendam and Hoorn, often on bicycle as the house is located on one of the major bicycling network routes. We also rented the adjacent small apartment which provided extra space for our teenage children who sleep and wake at different hours. There is a sparkling hot tub and dry sauna. And last but not least there was Fred (“Fret”) the cat who made himself available as a companion for those who wished and did not for those who didn’t. (We all did.) The house came with bicycles that were great for pedaling to the adjacent towns (and if you want to do longer rides on bikes more precisely fitted to you there are two good rental shops in Edam). Onny and Saskia are wonderful hosts. We look forward to staying there again.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, girls getaway, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

  Owner response: Fred is very fond of the guests, probably because they have so much time to stroke him. But as mentioned, Fred is never annoying. If you want to be left alone, he feels that. Thank you for this very nice review!

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

• A terrific place to rent1

  A terrific place to rent1

  • Guest Doug Fort Collins CO
  • Date of stay 04/30/10
  • Review Submitted 05/06/10
  Our family stayed here for several days in May 2010. This rental was TERRIFIC! Very clean and neat and a great value. It is located in a beautiful setting and is quite comfortable. We enjoyed being away from the busy city and out in the country. Saski and Onny were very hospitable and took good care of us during our visit. We greatly enjoyed using the spa and sauna and slept very well in the comfortable beds. We would certainly not hesitate to stay here again and really enjoyed our visit here. I highly recommend the Country and Lake! Doug, Renee, Haley (5) and Henry (3) Fort Collins, Colorado, USA

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, girls getaway, families with young children, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+.

  Owner response: Thank you all! Maybe some more stars...:)?

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/1

• • Guest Christiane Brauns & Astrid Josten
  • Date of stay 08/14/09
  • Review Submitted 08/14/09
  In May 2009 we stay for a couple of days at Saskia and Onny's beautiful apartment in Edam was a wonderful way to explore the beautiful Holland countryside. The apartment was deluxe - great views, comfortable beds and a spacious living area. Edam is a lovely town, close to many sights. We’ll come back.Christiane Brauns & Astrid Josten

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

• Great for a business trip too!

  Great for a business trip too!

  • Guest kiwideb
  • Date of stay 03/05/08
  • Review Submitted 04/04/08
  Dear Saskia and Onny, David and I would like to thank you both once again for your kind hospitality during our recent stay. Both apartments were more than comfortable and the facilities were excellent - it really was a home away from home. As we were staying for work purposes, the quiet and peaceful surroundings were truly appreciated. If our work brings us to Europe in the future, both David and I have said that we would like to stay with you again - and hopefully next time it would be when the weather is warmer! Thanks again, Deb

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

• The Best of the Best

  The Best of the Best

  • Guest Marilyn L.
  • Date of stay 02/01/08
  • Review Submitted 03/24/08
  This is a hard act to follow...My first experience in Europe was at the Country and Lake property and it exceeded my every expectation by far. Do not hesitate about staying here, my recommendation is book as many nights as possible. I will be back! Thankyou Saskia and Onny for all your hospitality. Marilyn, Matt, Asher and Lyndsey

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, girls getaway, families with young children, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, families with teenagers.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Low season ... €165/night (3 night min) .. € 990/week
High season .. €185/night (3 night min) .. €1110/week
Rates are based on 2 person occupancy: for more persons, add €20/nt
There is a possibility to accomodate 4  (two on sofabed)
The tourist tax is € 1.04 pppn
Payment possible with CREDIT CARD with PAYPAL

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.