🔥Cozy Fireplace Bungalow in Picturesque Veluwe Epe, Netherlands!🔥
🔥Cozy Fireplace Bungalow in Epe: My Veluwe Adventure (With a Few Snags!)🔥
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to tell you about my stay at the "Cozy Fireplace Bungalow" in the picturesque Veluwe region of the Netherlands. Think charming Dutch countryside, crisp air, and the promise of… well, a cozy fireplace. Spoiler alert: it was mostly cozy.
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First Impressions & Arrival (and the slightly wonky check-in):
The drive to Epe itself? Absolutely stunning. Fields of (I think) tulips stretching for miles, windmills dotting the horizon… pure postcard material. The bungalow complex, nestled in a quiet area, promised that perfect escape. Finding the actual Bungalow? Easy enough, except the GPS almost sent us into a cow pasture. Pro-tip: Double-check those directions!
The check-in process was… efficient, let's say. Contactless, as advertised, which is great in our current climate (and kudos for trying!). But the woman at the (slightly understaffed) front desk, bless her heart, seemed a little flustered. No warm welcome, no "Enjoy your stay!" Just… a quick handover of the keycard. Okay, vibes noted. This IS a hotel chain and probably this is what it delivers, so not a bad thing.
Accessibility (and the Search for the Accessible Dream):
Now, here’s where things get a little sticky. I did want to check out the accessibility options. The website said "Facilities for disabled guests". The elevator was available, thankfully! But… the information beyond that was a bit… vague. I couldn’t verify everything in the short stay, since, sadly, I didn't have any special needs at the time of the review, but I did see the elevator and the entrance.
The Bungalow Itself - Cozy Ambitions! (And a Little Bit of Reality):
Okay, let's get to the good stuff: the bungalow. Inside? It was… charming! The fireplace was definitely the star of the show, perfectly positioned to bask in its warm embrace. The "Cozy Fireplace Bungalow" delivered on the promise! I was envisioning myself curled up with a good book and a steaming mug of hot chocolate. The Room decorations (mostly wooden, a few nice touches of Dutch art) added to the atmosphere. It was the kind of place that screams "weekend getaway."
The imperfections? Well, the bathroom was a little… dated. Definitely not the crisp, modern aesthetic some might prefer. And the soundproofing? Let's just say I wasn't entirely impervious to the excited shriek of a child outside my window at 7 AM. The room itself was the safe haven promised, with a smoke detector (essential!), an in-room safe box (always reassuring), and a whole host of other amenities. There was a coffee/tea maker.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Spa? Yes Please! - Though I didn't experience the full on):
This place boasts a spa. A Spa! With a sauna, steamroom, and swimming pool. My inner hedonist practically squealed. I was so looking forward to melting into a hot tub after a day of cycling (yes, you can rent bikes - Bicycle parking is provided!). And the pool with a view sounded divine. Sadly, due to time constraints and a general aversion to removing my clothes in public, I didn't check out the spa, so I can't give you a blow-by-blow. But based on the pictures… damn.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Breakfast Saga):
The Breakfast [buffet]… was a bit of a mixed bag. The website promised an array of delights - Asian breakfast, Western breakfast (very important!), and all the usual continental suspects. The reality? A slightly chaotic scramble for the (admittedly decent) scrambled eggs. The coffee was… well, it was coffee. Not the exquisite nectar of the gods, but it did the trick. I did appreciate the breakfast takeaway service.
The restaurants on-site are what I'd call "functional." The A la carte in restaurant seemed tempting, but I got the impression from other guests, that the food was not the best, so I didn't try. The poolside bar sounded fun but was only open seasonally, and I only found a coffee shop.
I did appreciate the bottle of water left in the room, and the complimentary tea. Little things, but they make a difference.
Cleanliness and Safety (Feeling Safe, Even with a COVID-19 Scare!):
Okay, good news: The Anti-viral cleaning products and the Daily disinfection in common areas were very nice to see. I noticed staff taking extra care with hand sanitizer dispensers, and the general atmosphere felt reassuringly safe. It was not the most intense sanitizing I've seen, but it felt decent enough. The Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was (mostly) observed. But there was a staff member working without a mask, so 9/10.
Internet Access (The Wi-Fi Whisperer):
The "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" was true! And, surprisingly, it actually worked. I was able to binge-watch my guilty pleasure shows without buffering. Hallelujah!
Services and Conveniences (From the Annoyingly Lack of Amenities to the Nice Touches):
- The Cash withdrawal was a handy perk.
- Daily housekeeping was great, keeping everything neat and tidy.
- The Luggage storage option was helpful, although I didn't need it.
- I'll add: the lack of some things was a bit disappointing. I forgot to wash some clothes, and there was no laundry service. This is a hotel, I expect there to be laundry.
- The Terrace (which was lovely, weather permitting), was one of the best things about the bungalow.
For the Kids (The Family Factor):
I didn't have kids with me, but I saw plenty of families around. The Family/child friendly vibes were strong. Didn't spot any specific Kids facilities, but there were some play areas scattered around.
Getting Around (Driving, Cycling, and the Airport… Not This Time):
Parking was plentiful. Free and easy. Car park [free of charge], always a win! I didn't need the Airport transfer. The proximity to the cycling paths (the bicycle parking!) was a definite plus.
The Verdict (Would I Go Back?):
Honestly? Yes. Despite the few niggles. The Cozy Fireplace Bungalow offered a charming, if not perfect, escape. The location is glorious, the fireplace is delightful, and the on-site amenities (especially the promise of that spa) are tempting. It's not luxury, but it's comfortable, and that's enough for a weekend of Dutch country bliss! Just pack some earplugs, cross your fingers for a less-flustered check-in, and prepare to be utterly transported by the beauty of the Veluwe.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars (with extra points for the fireplace!)
Rooftop Paradise: Stunning Hoorn Apartment Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're venturing into the Veluwe, fireplace, and bungalow life! This isn't some meticulously crafted, Instagram-perfect itinerary. This is… me trying to survive a week in the Dutch countryside. So, brace yourselves for windmills, existential dread, and the potential for me to accidentally set the aforementioned fireplace on fire.
The Veluwe Bungalo-cano: A Week of Questionable Decisions and Cozy Chaos
Day 1: Arrival – "Oh God, the Fireplace… and the Smell of Damp Wood"
- Morning (or, let’s be honest, late afternoon): Arrive at Schiphol Airport. The flight was fine, except for the guy behind me who kept… ugh. Shudders. Anyway, customs was a breeze, thankfully. Then came the train, which, naturally, was delayed. Because, Netherlands. Found a charming Dutch man who looked like he was in his 80’s was kind of a grumpy and told me about the benefits of being a Dutch citizen, which in the end, there was none.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Pick up the rental car. I swear the GPS lady is personally out to get me. “Recalculating.” Every. Single. Time. The drive to Epe was…long. I think I saw more cows than actual road for an hour.
- Evening: The Bungalow Debacle: Finally… the bungalow! Rustic charm? More like “slightly crumbling with a vague air of being haunted.” The fireplace… oh, the fireplace. It looks majestic in the photos, but in reality, it's a soot-stained behemoth beckoning me to make a fool of myself. The smell of damp wood is… intense. I'm pretty sure I've triggered some primal survival instincts. Unpack quickly, then immediately make a cup of tea, then sit with my face as close as I can get to the fire. I need this.
- Night: Attempt fire-starting. Fail miserably. Consider setting myself on fire for warmth. Opt for extra blankets. Eat all the stroopwafels. Read a book. Feel a slight tinge of hope for the days to come. It's… doable, just a tiny bit…
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stroopwafels. The damp wood is a real vibe killer, but the potential for cozy is there.
Day 2: "Cycling, Crabs, and Cranky Locals"
- Morning: Rent bikes. This is where it starts to unravel. The bike rental place was straight out of a Wes Anderson film, the owner spoke about 5 words of English. But the bikes are… Dutch bikes. Sturdy, reliable, and potentially capable of taking down small trees. "Right, so you're off to Hoge Veluwe National Park," I was told. "Be careful of the crab in the river." Okay…
- Mid-Morning: Cycle through Hoge Veluwe. The park is beautiful, and if you ignore the existential dread of being surrounded by massive trees with no point of reference and the constant fear of being eaten by a crab, it's actually quite lovely. I did spot a crab. Big one!
- Lunch: Picnic by a picturesque pond. The sandwich I made myself was a bit on the soggy side. Also, I nearly got attacked by a swan. I need to learn to defend myself against waterfowl.
- Afternoon: A long cycle ride, got a little lost. Then found the coffee shop. Needed a little liquid courage.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. The Dutch are… direct. I asked for a recommendation, and the waitress just stared at me for a solid five seconds before saying, “The meat is good.” Okay, then. The meat was. Delicious, actually. But the silence beforehand was… intense. Tried to order some wine, ended up pointing to the wrong bottle.
- Night: Attempt fire-starting again. Success! The flames sing. The cabin is warm. The wine is flowing. This, finally, feels like… a proper vacation.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 windmills. The cycling was great, the meat was fantastic, the crab was terrifying, and the locals are…. characterful.
Day 3: "Kröller-Müller, Kicks, and Coffee Catastrophe"
- Morning: Visit the Kröller-Müller Museum. Holy art, Batman! Van Gogh's "Wheatfield with Crows." Stunning. I nearly cried. Then got a bit lost in a maze of modern sculptures. It’s beautiful, but also slightly overwhelming, like being trapped in a very fashionable, very large, very art-filled labyrinth.
- Mid-Morning: Attempt to make decent coffee in the bungalow. Failed. Miserably. Burned the water. The filter disintegrated. The situation was grim.
- Lunch: Found a tiny cafe and ordered the biggest, most caffeinated coffee they had. Needed it. Badly.
- Afternoon: Went to a big shoe store. After 30 minutes of browsing, I felt the anxiety of being watched. Was too scared to try on shoes.
- Evening: Fireplace! Did some more relaxing. Watched the sunset. Then, the most spectacular Dutch Sunset, ever. Incredible.
- Night: Tried out the local store. It was a bit awkward and made me wonder how much I do on my own. Got a big hug from a lady at the checkout. Maybe the Dutch are not so grumpy after all.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 Van Goghs. The art was amazing, the coffee situation was traumatic, the sunset was pure magic.
Day 4: "Windmills, Wind, and My Own Existential Crisis"
- Morning: Drive to a nearby windmill village. Windmills are cool. Then, the wind picked up. I think the wind nearly blew me into a canal.
- Mid-Morning: Walk and admire all the buildings. Went into a store, said some words.
- Lunch: Stopped at a cafe and had waffles. Amazing, but gave me a sugar crash that rivals the Grand Canyon.
- Afternoon: Decided to go for a swim. Cold. So Cold. Didn't last long.
- Evening: Contemplated the meaning of life while staring at the fire. Decided I didn’t have the energy to contemplate the meaning of life. Ate more stroopwafels and watched the fire.
- Night: Slept like a log.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 windmills. The waffles were great, the wind was not, the existential crisis was temporarily quelled by sugar.
Day 5: "Epe Exploration and a Moment of… Contentment?"
- Morning: Wandered around Epe. Cute little town. Stopped at a bakery, got some bread, ate it.
- Mid-Morning: Visited a local market. Almost bought a clog. Decided against it.
- Lunch: Tried something new. Cheese. Cheese and Bread. Simple joy.
- Afternoon: Sat by the window, read a book, looked at the trees. For the first time all week, I felt… calm. Maybe the bungalow is getting to me. Maybe I just need a break. Maybe I'm going soft.
- Evening: Cooked dinner for myself. Ate it while watching the fire. Felt a strange sense of… yes.
- Night: Started to think about going home.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 trees. The town was nice, the food was simple, the feeling was… welcome.
Day 6: "Farewell Fireplace, Dutch Delights, and Airport Anxieties"
- Morning: Final fire-starting! It was a success! The whole time!
- Mid-Morning: Did a final sweep around the Dutch countryside. Amazing.
- Lunch: The last one!
- Afternoon: Drive back to Amsterdam.
- Evening: Flight anxiety.
- Night: Back home.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stroopwafels.
Day 7: "Back Home"
- Home.
- Sigh
- Back to the grind.
Final Thoughts:
The Veluwe was…an experience. It was beautiful, frustrating, cozy, lonely, and… kind of wonderful. The bungalow, with its damp wood and slightly haunted vibe, became a strange sort of home. The Dutch, with their directness and their stroopwafel obsession, grew on me. And the fireplace? Well, we became… friends. I’d go back. But next time, I'm bringing a coffee machine, a waterproof jacket, and a shield against swans. And maybe a map that actually works.
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🔥Cozy Fireplace Bungalow in Veluwe Epe: FAQ - Because You HAVE to Know! (Seriously!)🔥
Okay, spill the beans! Is this place *actually* cozy? I mean, the pictures look AMAZING.
Alright, alright, settle down! Yes. Yes, it is. But let's be real for a second. Those pictures? Yeah, they've got the *angles*. Think Instagram filter x 1000. But the *feeling*? The feeling is real. Walking in, after a ridiculously long drive (traffic is ALWAYS killer, you guys), and seeing that fireplace? My shoulders just... *released*. Like a giant sigh. It's that immediate "Ahhh, I'm home" but with better scenery.
The imperfections? They're there. The "vintage charm" (read: slightly wonky floorboards) adds to the character, honestly. And the smell? A delicious mix of pine needles, old wood, and a hint of... well, let's just say the previous guests clearly enjoyed the fireplace. And that, my friends, is a *good thing*.
The Fireplace is the Selling Point Isn't it? How's it in practice?
Oh, the fireplace. *The* reason I booked this place, let's be honest. And here's the messy truth, it’s a beast. Okay, so first attempt? Smoke. Everywhere. I probably looked like I was trying to signal aliens. Turns out, you need to open BOTH the air vents, not just one! (Note to self: Read the instructions. Or just… Google it. Thank goodness for the internet!)
But once you *get* it going… pure magic. Seriously. I spent hours just staring, mesmerized. The crackling, the warmth… I might have even cried a little. Don't judge me! It was just so… *perfect*. Though the cleanup sucks. Ash everywhere. Again, the *angle* is important, to make it good after the fire. Do the angle!
Veluwe Epe... is it just trees and more trees? Something to *do* there?
Okay, yes. A LOT of trees. But! Don't let that fool you! The Veluwe is genuinely stunning. Think Lord of the Rings, but with bicycles (because, Netherlands!). Rent a bike! Get lost! (I actually did get lost once, which was an adventure, I found the perfect pub with the perfect french fries).
Epe itself is charming. Little shops, cafes, you could actually survive there. The nearby villages? Even MORE charming. Plus, the De Hoge Veluwe National Park... deer. Everywhere. Beautiful, majestic deer. Just… don't get too close. They judge. And you can get lost! So pay attention.
Oh! And the air? Crisp! Clean! You can practically taste the freedom (and the pine needles, if you're not careful while hiking). It's actually better than advertised. And seriously, the perfect place to bring a spouse, you know, to give each other space.. and more space, and the scenery is just perfect!
Let's talk about the kitchen. Is it, you know, actually usable? I like *cooking*.
The kitchen. Okay. It’s… functional. Don't expect Michelin-star quality equipment, but it's got the basics. The oven heated up… eventually. The fridge kept my beer cold. The dishwasher? Well, let's just say I may have hand-washed a few things. You know, for safety. The counter space? Limited. I mean, I'm not complaining, but it *did* remind me of my first college dorm.
One small thing: The coffee maker. Bring your own. Seriously. Unless you're a fan of instant coffee that tastes vaguely of sadness. And maybe a good chopping knife. And a can opener. Okay, maybe pack some cooking essentials, or else you'll waste your time, running around with nothing to eat.
Is it kid-friendly? We're traveling with a tiny human...
Hmm. Okay. This is a tough one. There is a really good playground close by but the house itself... it depends on your tiny human. The fireplace? Definitely a potential danger zone. Unsupervised? Nope. The stairs can be a bit steep, so watch those little ones.
The plus side? Lots of outdoor space! Great for running around and burning off energy. The forest is right there, ready for exploring (with supervision, of course!). The neighborhood’s quiet. Bring some toys, and you should be okay. But do keep a very close eye on them. And bring baby gates if you're worried.
The bed situation? Comfortable?
The beds were…fine. The sheets felt fresh. Not the *world’s* most luxurious beds, but perfectly adequate for a good night’s sleep after a day of hiking and…fireplace-ing. I did have a solid sleep! The pillows? A bit…flat, perhaps. I may have brought my own extra pillows and blankets (I'm a creature of comfort, okay?).
But the *setting*! Waking up to the sounds of birds and the sunlight filtering through the trees? Absolutely unbeatable. Really. It adds up to a much better time! That, and good coffee.
Any quirky downsides I should know about? Like, is the Wi-Fi actually usable?
Okay, the Wi-Fi. Let's just say it's… rustic. By which I mean, it's present, but it's not particularly fast. Perfect if you want to *disconnect*. And, honestly, you should. Put the phones away and enjoy the fire, the trees, and the general peacefulness of the place.
Other quirky things? The water pressure in the shower could be better. The local supermarket is a bit of a drive. And getting a taxi? Well, good luck with that. But these are small prices to pay for the overall experience. It's really worth the trip!
So, *would* you recommend it? Be honest!
Yes! Absolutely! With caveats, of course. If you're looking for a sterile, perfect, Instagram-ready experience, this isn't it. But if you want a genuinely cozy, charming, and relaxing getaway, then YES! Book it! Just be prepared for the drive, the ash, and the slightly wonky Wi-Fi.
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