Apartment // Holiday home Ahoy und Wachter

The small coastal town with Friesland’s only seaport borders directly on the expanse of the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site and is full of monuments and stories. Ahoy & Wachter too is based on the remains of the medieval town wall. The brief given to the Dutch architectural firm JongArchitecten for the redesign was to further develop the buildings with the neighbouring 19th century merchant’s house and the historic lighthouse as an ensemble and part of the townscape. Inside, both buildings are rich in detail, but very different and individual in their design.
The fact that the Wachter house was once home to the lighthouse keeper is not only evidenced by the name and the bronze statue in front of the house. There are also many artefacts inside that were discovered during excavations – such as the stone spheres next to the bed or the ceramics in the kitchen display cabinet. The small house later served as a workshop for the merchant’s house. In order to give the conversion into a holiday home a fresh perspective, the orientation was rotated by ninety degrees, a dormer window was added and the view to the sea was opened up. The warm red colour of the seaworthy interior fittings and furniture was inspired by the Hannemahuis city museum and lends the exhibits, which the museum has loaned, a fitting ambience. The glazed Estriken floor tiles, which were specially made by the Harlingen ceramics factory, are a centrepiece. A narrow staircase leads to the upper floor, a simple room with a large window and a long bench where you can watch the scenery of the harbour.
The Ahoy house is also a continuation of this history. The current building on the trapezoidal plot of only 15 square metres is a reconstruction of the original barn. The geometry of the floor plan and the roof construction are complex. In the past, a bicycle shelter for visitors to the Wadden Islands of Vlieland and Terschelling, who took the ferry from here, stood on the site of the house. 
Ahoy is a tribute to craftsmanship that creates a grand, almost cathedral-like experience in a small space. When you enter the cottage, you first land in the bedroom. The living area on the upper floor has a surprisingly large kitchen with a narrow dining table and cosy armchairs for enjoying the view of the sea and sunsets. Surrounded by customised wood – as if you were on a ship yourself.

What to do

Unwind with sea views, walks on the beach, bike rides, swimming in the sea, stroll through the historic town, take the ferry to the Wadden Islands of Vlieland and Terschelling, visit the large fleet of historic ships in Harlingen harbour, culinary highlights, e.g. in Restaurant ‘t Havenmantsje

Why we like this house

Two holiday homes that are as artful as they are different, breathing history, craftsmanship and passion. You'll be spoilt for choice as to whether you'd rather follow in the footsteps of the lighthouse keeper or go on board.

This house is great for

Single travellers, couples and friends - for a weekend trip, a holiday or longer

Sustainability

Construction and refurbishment according to the principles of circular construction (at Wachter approx. 85% of the materials used are recyclable, at Ahoy approx. 95%), hot water and heating by geothermal energy, e-mobility: at least 25 charging points within walking distance, public transport: by train almost to the front door

Details

Availability calendar

The calendar shows the current availability of the accommodation. On days with a white background, the accommodation is still fully available. If an accommodation has more than one rentable unit, days with free capacities are shown with a light grey background. On days with a dark grey background, the accommodation is not available.

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