Holiday home Cocondo

The Vineta Duin nature reserve near Rotterdam and The Hague not only hides idyllic flora and fauna, but also a historical legacy in the windswept nature of the endless beaches. Hidden beneath the grass of the extensive dune landscape are around 60 bunkers from the Atlantic Wall, which were built during the Second World War. As part of a pilot project on the outskirts of Hoek van Holland, an old German telephone bunker from 1943 has been converted into a holiday home in order to put the now dilapidated defensive structures, which have been exposed to the elements and vandalism, to good use for a peaceful future and the preservation of the coast.

Cocondo demonstrates a subtle alternative to the mostly bold tourism construction on the coast, preserving the historical heritage of the region, telling the story of its landscape and helping to protect the surrounding nature. To minimise the ecological footprint of the building, mainly circular building materials were used and the surrounding dunes were restored. In addition, all proceeds from the rental go back into the conservation of the area.

While this bunker provided a replacement home for a mother and her two children for over ten years after the liberation of the Netherlands, the completely renovated and redesigned holiday house can now accommodate a total of four people. In addition to the reinforced concrete telephone switchboard, the original building is made of brickwork and has a 3.2 metre high vaulted ceiling and large windows that give the rooms a bright, light atmosphere. Today, the kitchen, dining room and living room are located here. One of the windows has been transformed into a sleeping alcove bathed in a warm red colour with a box bed.

A comfortable bathroom has been created where once the hallway was, with a heavy metal door reminiscent of times gone by leading into the former telephone control centre, which now functions as a subterranean master bedroom bathed in soft blue. An unusual change of perspective that continues on the small terrace in front of the house, which invites you to sit on deckchairs and observe the diverse wildlife.

In addition to the historic architecture, a photo of the former occupant and her daughters and a narrow run-through strip of old graffiti patina tell of the ever-changing history of the bunker over time.

What to do

The large dune area invites you to take long walks along the beach, including a variety of cycling and hiking trails, swimming and bathing on the beaches, various opportunities for surfing, kiting and sailing, historical sights such as the Fort aan den Hoek van Holland, the old lighthouse or the storm surge barrier, on the trail of military history in the Atlantikwall Museum or the Bunker Bremen, regional cuisine in the fish restaurants and markets around the harbour or excursions to Rotterdam and The Hague

Why we like this house

Cocondo is an unusual holiday home in a sensitive location that raises awareness of the past and stands for a peaceful, sustainable future.

This house is great for

Couples and families, nature lovers and travellers interested in history

Sustainability

Circular construction materials and supplies, e-charging station approx. 300 metres away, public transport: by metro from Rotterdam

Owner

Photographer Peter de Krom is co-founder of Cocondo and project manager at Stichting Stelling 33, which uses innovative concepts relating to design, ecology and sustainability to preserve the Dutch coastal landscape and tell its story in a meaningful and contemporary way.

Details

Availability calendar

The calendar shows the current availability of the accommodation. On days with white background the accommodation is still available. On days with dark gray background the accommodation is not available.

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