Cocondo

A Unique Hideaway on the Dutch Shoreline

Hidden in the dunes along the Dutch coast is a large network of abandoned bunkers. Part of the vast Atlantic Wall, built during World War II and considered invincible, they fell into disuse and eventual decay, frequented by vandals and at the mercy of the elements. 

This is one of them. A telephone bunker in Hoek van Holland, a coastal town near Rotterdam, it was constructed in 1943 from brick and reinforced concrete. Back then, it housed a switchboard that was manned by two German soldiers. Today, it has been transformed into a unique holiday home for two adults and two children.

Under the dunes of a nature reserve called the Vinetaduin, there are about 60 of these old bunkers. The team behind this conversion plan to give them a new lease of life, creating beautiful vacation homes with minimal ecological footprints. Money raised from bookings is channelled back into the project, regenerating the ecology of the reserve and bringing new vitality to these unique structures.

This is the first of the converted bunkers, located to the north of the reserve, near the beach. It has been given a contemporary makeover, using as much circular material as possible. Traces of the original bunker are still visible, including the original brickwork, vaulted ceilings, and a remarkable metal interior door. The house has an underground bedroom for two adults, plus a box bed for one adult or two kids. If the kids don't feel like sharing, there is also an extra futon.

This vacation home rental in the Netherlands is a sustainable – and well camouflaged – coastal hideaway, perfect for a small family. An inspired gem.

Read an interview with the creator of Cocondo in our Stories section here.

AROUND

The area around the house, the Vinetaduin (part of the Hollandse Duinen National Park), is not officially open to the public but does receive a regular stream of visitors wanting to see the bunkers. 

However, there are plenty of other accessible attractions, including the Atlantikwall Museum, Bunker Bremen or Fort 1881, all of which are located inside WWII bunkers and tell the fascinating military history of this part of the world. 

The town Hoek van Holland is a unique cultural landscape, constantly shaped by the North Sea. Take a walk along the Noorderpier or the Zandmotor, a large artificial sandbank off the coast of Ter Heide. Explore the old Lighthouse, the Storm Surge Barrier, and the Staelduinse Bos (forest).

There are many great restaurants near this vacation home rental in the Netherlands, including the owners' favorites: Plstk, Pele’s Surfshack, Elements, de Pit and Dechi’s Beach, as well as the bistro at Hotel Amerika. The owners will provide a digital handbook with suggestions for activities.

LOCATION

Hoek van Holland, The Netherlands. Nearest airport: Antwerp Internation (56 miles).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring and summer for best weather.