This Classic Dutch Windmill Is Actually a Chic Airbnb Outside Amsterdam

When you think of Amsterdam, romantic canals, mounds of cheese and idyllic windmills that hearken back to a simpler time come to mind.

In fact, windmills are so central to the culture of the Netherlands, there’s even a National Mill Day in May when 950 windmills and watermills open their doors to visitors.

But if just a visit to a windmill isn’t enough for you, you can book a stay in one. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you book this converted windmill from the 1800s in Abcoude, about a 15 minute drive away from bustling Amsterdam (which happens to be one of the best summer destinations for solo travelers).

This three-bedroom unique stay is set in the greenery of Holland (there are even sheep nearby!), but still offers all the modern comforts of home like WiFi and a fully-equipped kitchen. The fireplace in the bright and airy living room is the perfect place to settle in after renting a bicycle to do some sightseeing, and the rich wood beams in the bedrooms feel like a cozy hug at the end of the day.

Head up to the top floor to take in the inner workings of the mill itself, or plan a dinner to eat outside in the garden, surrounded by the rolling green lawns of the Dutch countryside — there’s even a river, as if it could get more perfect.

Airbnb guests have described the property as “magical,” “idyllic,” and a “once in a lifetime experience.”

“We’ve stayed all over the world and staying at this Windmill is the best place we’ve ever experienced,” wrote Nathan, who stayed in March. “There were five of us that stayed including [three] kids… They had so much fun exploring inside and petting the sheep and goats on the property. We wish we had more than one night to stay because this felt like a fairytale.”

Suzanne, who stayed in 2017, offered some sage advice: “The friendly sheep in the field next door like apples and carrots.”

And Peter, who stayed in June, said the property “way exceeded” his expectations.

“There is just something friendly and cozy and snug and wonderful about being able to stay in a windmill,” he wrote. “This was on my bucket list for a long time, and now, complete! Our whole family would go back in a heartbeat.”

Book the Windmill home on Airbnb.com starting at $224/night.