Meeuwen Manor - A treasure near Amsterdam

I warmly welcome you to Meeuwen Manor (Meeuwen means gulls in Dutch), a well-known and distinctive house in Edam. This 18th-century house acquired its current appearance around 1910. It is situated by the Markermeer, next to Fort Edam—a nature reserve and UNESCO World Heritage site—and just 22 kilometers from the center of Amsterdam.

The apartment in Meeuwen Manor has its own private entrance at the front and consists of an atmospheric main room featuring a fireplace and various authentic details. It is furnished with a comfortable king-size box-spring bed (210 x 180 cm). This bed is located in a rear section that can be separated from the rest of the room by a heavy curtain. There is no separate second sleeping area. The kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, stove, cookware, two coffee makers, and a microwave. There is a bathroom with a shower and a separate toilet. The space includes free Wi-Fi and a TV offering numerous channels and Netflix.

Guests of Meeuwen Manor have access to the wild, lush garden and may use the garden staircase to access the roof, which offers views of the harbor and the Markermeer. The rest of the house is private and not accessible to guests. Please do not expect a hyper-modern, fully renovated property; parts of the house still require work. I began renting out this apartment to help fund those renovations. 

My parents bought Meeuwen Manor in 1952, when it was a complete wreck—virtually a ruin. Over the following thirty years, my father restored it to its former glory. I was born and raised in this country house; After living in Amsterdam almost my entire life, I recently returned to my childhood home following the passing of both my parents.

I work as an editor and producer of live music events; for instance, I produce and host 'Club Dauphine,' a live music show in Amsterdam. This show has been running for 18 years and currently takes place every other Friday evening. Over the years, around 1,500 artists have performed there.

I can tell you a great deal about the best places in Amsterdam and Edam to enjoy live music, art, and culture. I am also deeply passionate about nature and would love to tell you more about the diverse flora and fauna surrounding Meeuwen Manor, as well as other nature reserves in the Netherlands. Personal contact is important to me, and I am happy to answer any questions you may have during your stay. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or special requests; I will do my best to assist you in any way I can.

Meeuwen Manor is situated by the Edam harbor, 1.5 kilometers (a fifteen-minute walk) from the town center. Just 300 meters away, you can swim at a small natural beach by the water; there is also a better-equipped beach with showers nearby. The Markermeer, located right in front of the house, is an excellent spot for kitesurfing. 

Behind Meeuwen Manor lies the green oasis of Fort Edam, which also serves as a small nature reserve. The fort houses four unique, quirky museums dedicated to radio communication, firefighting, local wildlife, and World War I, as well as an impressive underground labyrinth of wide, dark corridors where the soldiers were once stationed. Surrounding the fort is a moat where many bird species breed—such as the kingfisher, which you might spot darting past during the summer months.

Edam itself is one of the Netherlands' best-preserved towns from the 16th and 17th centuries; its stately houses bear witness to the town's former prosperity. The surrounding area also offers interesting places to visit. Hoorn (20 kilometers away) is beautiful, and Volendam (just 3 kilometers away) is, of course, widely known. I would particularly recommend Marken, a former island featuring a maze of lovely old wooden houses, many of which are built on stilts. The famous Zaanse Schans, with its windmills, is a 30-minute drive away.

Amsterdam—where I have spent most of my adult life—is, of course, the most beautiful city in the Netherlands. Feel free to ask me about it, and I’ll tell you everything regarding museums, markets, bike rentals, restaurants, cinemas, concerts, and the best spots to dance the night away.

Meeuwen Manor is best reached by car or motorcycle. You can park for free right in front of the house. Mind you: It takes 25 minutes to reach Meeuwen Manor by foot from Edam bus station. From that station Edam buses leave very regularly to Amsterdam, Volendam, Monnickendam, Broek in Waterland, Hoorn and Purmerend. During rush hour buses to and from Amsterdam leave every ten minutes. It will take bus number 314 about 25 minutes to reach Amsterdam. Bus 316 will take longer, since it drives through Volendam.

Meeuwen Manor has two bicycles available for you to use for free. There are great bicycle trips to be made in the surroundings of Meeuwen Manor.