The Garden House in Abcoude, a 17th-century village near Amsterdam, is a picturesque 18th-century villa. The previous resident, architect Moshé Zwarts, renovated and furnished the house with art and design. Surrounding the house is a spacious, beautifully landscaped garden, combined with a traditional, well-maintained orchard. There are several terraces with comfortable garden furniture. The space The Garden House in Abcoude, a 17th-century village near Amsterdam, is a picturesque 18th-century house, reportedly once a coach house belonging to a country estate. The previous resident was the late architect Professor Moshé Zwarts, father of the current owner. Zwarts was a key figure in Dutch modernist architecture. His firm was responsible for major projects—bridges, viaducts, and stadiums—both within the Netherlands and abroad. In the early 1980s, Zwarts restored the property and furnished it in a unique way, combining his own designs with classic furniture by Breuer and Le Corbusier, along with a large collection of visual art. The house is situated on the banks of the river Gein, where renowned artists like Rembrandt and Mondrian once painted. The river is clean and teeming with bird and plant life. For guests who enjoy open-water swimming, there is a swimming ladder and a dock providing access to the water. Surrounding the house is a beautifully landscaped garden, combined with a traditional, well-maintained orchard. Several terraces are furnished with comfortable garden furniture, and there are also electric sunshades. The living room is spacious and features a large dining table designed by Zwarts himself. He also designed a large open fireplace, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere in winter. The furniture throughout the house is by well-known designers, and the artwork on the walls includes pieces by both Dutch and international artists from Zwarts' personal collection. As avid hikers and cyclists ourselves, we often stay in B&Bs housed in historic buildings—particularly in England and France—where the income helps fund preservation. This approach inspired us: by opening the house to guests, we can maintain this landmark property, one of the most iconic buildings along the Gein, and preserve it for future generations. The house has three spacious bedrooms and can accommodate up to six guests. The rooms are bright and comfortable. There is parking for up to three cars on the premises, as well as an electric charging point, which can be used upon request. The surrounding area is ideal for walking and cycling. Along the Gein, you'll find beautiful 17th-century country houses and manor farms. A special highlight is the Anna Haen farm, which features a café with a large outdoor terrace where you can enjoy lunch and buy local products. There are also several working 17th-century windmills along the river. Other scenic routes include the Vecht River, the Ankeveen lakes, and the Bussum heathlands, which are easily accessible by car—perfect for dog walks. The nearest 17th-century town, Weesp (about 2 km away), offers excellent restaurants and shops. Bakker Mühl is a well-known local bakery. The village of Abcoude lies around 6 km away. A favorite spot there is the terrace of Herberg de Eendracht. Amsterdam’s city center is about a 20-minute drive away. A metro station is within a 20-minute walk, offering direct connections to the city center. Guest access The house is fully available to guests, including use of the kitchen and living room. One room is closed off and not accessible for use. Other things to note The house is not easily accessible by public transport. Ideally, guests arrive by car or take a taxi. Another option is to rent a bicycle at Weesp station for the final part of the journey.