Holiday church
BackUnique Experience in a Historical Setting
The search for an extraordinary place to stay leads many travelers to the most unexpected places. Within the Dutch accommodation market, where the choice often ranges from conventional hotels to simple hostels and standard apartments , the Vakantiekerkje in Zijldijk, Groningen, stands out as a remarkable exception. Located at Fivelweg 45, this property is no ordinary holiday home; it is a transformed historic structure that offers a unique fusion of heritage, tranquility, and contemporary comfort. The fact that this building was originally a church, built in 1886, and only transformed into a luxury holiday home for two in 2020 immediately captures the imagination of the aspiring guest looking for more than just a room.
The Inner World: Luxury and Completeness
The Holiday Church presents itself as a charming hall church, which, after years of service and a period as a care church, has been given a new, welcoming purpose. The transformation has clearly been carried out with care and attention to detail. Reviews consistently point to an exceptionally high level of finish and completeness. While some guesthouses or inns sometimes lack essentials, this former place of worship seems to offer the opposite: the feeling of being at home, but in an architecturally unique setting. The spaciousness is a direct result of its original function. The sleeping area, with a substantial box spring of 180 by 210 centimeters, is placed on a subtle elevation, adding an extra layer of intimacy and luxury to the experience of sleeping in a church. The attention to detail is remarkable; specifically mentioned is the presence of a convenient night light that turns on automatically when leaving the bed, a small luxury that makes all the difference. The option to charge an electric car at the door is also mentioned, a modern convenience that not every posada or similar small-scale accommodation can offer.
The Equipped Kitchen and Amenities
A crucial element of any accommodation is the ability to prepare meals independently, and this is where the Vakantiekerkje excels. The spacious kitchen is fully equipped, going beyond the standard. Besides a dishwasher, oven, microwave, and kettle, it's specifically mentioned that a filter coffee maker is also available. Important for the unprepared or perfectionist cook is the inventory: basic necessities such as coffee, sugar, oil, dish soap, and dishwasher tablets are provided. These thoughtful touches, along with items like baking paper, tea filters, and even a rolling pin, eliminate the minor annoyances that can arise when staying in a less well-equipped holiday home . The bathroom is described as functional and comfortable, equipped with a pleasant rain shower, an additional toilet, and the luxury of underfloor heating. Furthermore, a washing machine is available, which enhances the sustainability of a longer stay , a feature rarely found in smaller accommodations.
The Outdoor Environment: Peace and quiet on the Hogeland
The location in Zijldijk, a tiny hamlet in the Groningen countryside (North Groningen, in the Hogeland region), is the essence of its appeal. The area is described as undiscovered by tourists, a direct contrast to the hustle and bustle of popular resort destinations. Here, space and tranquility prevail. Guests enjoy panoramic views over fields, where hares can be observed. The private garden, adjacent to the church, adds to the exclusivity. The freedom to pick local herbs and, in summer, berries, strengthens the connection with the local environment and the rural character of this accommodation .
The area is ideally equipped for active visitors. The landscape, with its winding, traffic-calmed roads and numerous cycle paths, makes it ideal for cycling enthusiasts. The cycle route network, with junction 13 running through Zijldijk, offers direct access to the characteristic Groningen landscape. This is an area that invites slow exploration by bike or on foot, unlike urban accommodation.
Cultural and Natural Proximity
Although the emphasis is on tranquility, the Vakantiekerkje is surprisingly centrally located near various attractions. The Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is just a few kilometers away. From nearby Eemshaven, about eight minutes by car, the ferry departs for the German Wadden Island of Borkum, making a day trip across the border possible. For those interested in culture and architecture, the historic town of Appingedam, known for its hanging kitchens, is a must-see. The larger, vibrant city of Groningen is about twenty kilometers away, making the Vakantiekerkje an ideal base for those seeking peace and quiet after a day in the city, without being confined to the rooms of a city center hotel .
Critical Consideration and Assessment
Balancing the strengths and potential limitations of Het Vakantiekerkje is essential. The most striking positive point is the exceptionally high rating of 4.8, which indicates a very satisfied customer base. However, the number of reviews is relatively low, at only six, meaning the consensus is still narrow. This is a point of concern for potential guests who rely on a large number of user reviews before booking, a factor that is generally different at larger resorts or apartment complexes .
As for potential drawbacks, these are inherent to the nature of the accommodation and its location. Zijldijk is a very quiet village, which for some is its main attraction, but for others it can be a drawback if they are looking for immediate proximity to shops or restaurants. It is not a hostel or guesthouse with daily reception services; guests are primarily self-reliant, which fits the concept of an exclusive holiday home. While the owners live in the adjacent sacristy and are available, offering some support, the ultimate privacy and tranquility of the location are the price of seclusion.
The overall experience, weighed against amenities such as a washing machine, the basic kitchen supplies, and the option to use the garden, places this accommodation far above the level of a standard room rental. The unique atmosphere created by the historic walls combined with the thoughtful, tasteful furnishings—such as the scaffolding wood seating area—makes one feel instantly at home, a feeling often lacking in more anonymous apartments . The descriptions of the skies and the expansive views emphasize that the building itself and its immediate surroundings are the main attractions. This is a destination that embodies the essence of a holiday home in its most luxurious and meaningful form. It is highly recommended for travelers seeking an authentic, yet luxurious, Groningen experience while escaping the hustle and bustle of mass-tourism resorts .
