Penthouse next to the forest, Schoorl | Jeroen de Nijs BNI BV

The location, near the Schoorl sand dunes and right on the edge of the forest, inspired architect Jeroen de Nijs in designing this apartment. The result is a comfortable weekend retreat that makes you feel like you're on holiday.

The owners of this weekend apartment live in the city center of Alkmaar during the week. To escape the hustle and bustle, they were looking for a weekend home near the forest, beach, and dunes. Schoorl turned out to be the perfect place. With their three young boys, they wanted to easily commute between the city and their weekend retreat—and here, they found the ideal spot to make that dream a reality.

As avid cyclists, they love racing through the woods, and the moment you step outside here, you’re already halfway into the forest. At the same time, you have the charm of Schoorl, the beach, and several restaurants just around the corner. The lush forest edge is the first thing you see when you enter the apartment. The feeling of outdoor living in nature takes over and never really leaves you. The light, natural tones and materials create a soft and spacious atmosphere that adds to the sense of peace and comfort. This is enhanced by the various skylights, which let sunlight flood deep into the space, and the play of shadows subtly indicates the time of day. The sofa is arranged around the open fireplace in such a way that it feels like you're sitting around a campfire, with a view of the forest beyond.

“When we bought the apartment, it was a shell, just an open space. We had a few ideas and wishes, of course, but to truly make something special out of it, we enlisted architect and interior designer Jeroen de Nijs. He really listened to us and first created a spatial plan with the right flow, light, and sightlines. He also translated the look and feel of the surroundings perfectly into a comfortable interior. He even used the steel structure and cross-bracing to strengthen the concept, whereas we initially wanted to hide them with a lowered ceiling. Every weekend we spend here, we feel like we’re on vacation. Even when we stay indoors all day, the outdoor feeling remains. The spaciousness and natural materials play an important role in that,” the owners explain.

Their favorite spot depends on the time of day: in front of the fireplace, at the bar, in the bathtub, or out on the sunny terrace. It's not a very large home, but it feels incredibly spacious. “The contrast with city life—which we also enjoy—is striking. Life here just moves at a slower pace, and we feel more connected to nature,” they conclude.

Text by Scandinavian Living
Photos by Peter Baas