When you think of a vacation on the Veluwe, you probably picture classic chalets, comfortable hotel rooms, or traditional nature cottages. But what if we told you that there is a place in the Netherlands where architecture and nature constantly keep you guessing?
Welcome to Buitenplaats Koningsweg, a breathtaking enclave near Arnhem and Hoge Veluwe National Park. Here you won’t find a run-of-the-mill park, but a carefully camouflaged breeding ground full of creativity, history, and eleven high-profile follies. Time to dive deep into this wondrous world for your next unique getaway!
The Rich History Behind the Camouflage
To understand why Buitenplaats Koningsweg is so unique, we need to step back in time. During World War II, this vast terrain north of Arnhem was designated by the German occupiers as part of the Fliegerhorst Deelen airfield.
To stay out of sight of Allied pilots, military buildings and barracks were disguised as innocent farming villages, haystacks, and rural barns. This game of appearance and reality—creating optical illusions to survive—formed the ultimate inspiration for the area’s modern transformation.
Today, the military hustle and bustle has given way to an oasis of tranquility, art, and groundbreaking architecture. Eleven renowned architects were given a free hand to respond to the landscape with their own folly: a structure that is functional to stay in, while simultaneously hiding its true nature. Nothing is what it seems, and that makes a stay here an unprecedented experience for lovers of design, peace, and adventure.
Start at the Impressive BAT House
Every exploration of the estate deserves a starting point that immediately sets the tone: the architectural masterpiece known as the BAT House.
This iconic building proves that sustainability, innovation, and playfulness can go hand in hand. The BAT House is based on a clever concept: Building Apart Together. It is a tiny house where not only humans, but also bats are fully fledged guests.
Architecture & Nature: From the outside, the building immediately draws attention with sleek, expressive slanted lines and natural materials that blend seamlessly into the edge of the forest.
Bat-Friendly: Look closely, and you will discover special flight openings in the facade. Beneath the residential tower is a deep, enclosed cellar designed as a winter shelter for local bats.
Interior: Inside, you will enjoy a warm, minimalist decor with large windows that literally pull the surrounding greenery inside.
Looking for an exclusive overnight stay in the middle of nature, surrounded by peace and quiet? Then definitely choose a weekend getaway or short vacation in this gorgeous forest cottage on the Veluwe.
More Wondrous Follies at Buitenplaats Koningsweg
Got a taste for it and want to discover more of the optical illusions and special stories hidden here? The grounds of Buitenplaats Koningsweg harbor a fascinating collection of masterpieces, each and every one inviting you to an unforgettable stay:
De Behouden Huis (The Preserved House): This intriguing structure plays in a poetic way with the theme of preservation and transience. It looks like a classic, archetypal cottage whose contours contrast sharply with the surrounding forest floor. Inside, you experience an intense coziness; it feels like a safe haven and a warm beacon in the middle of the vast Veluwe nature, where the outside world completely stands still for a moment.
De Ooggetuige (The Eyewitness): As the name suggests, this folly acts as a silent witness to history and the surrounding wilderness. The design focuses entirely on capturing the landscape. Thanks to cleverly positioned, giant windows and angles, you are treated from every—often surprising—angle of the home to a living painting of changing forest light and passing wildlife.
Kazemat Koningsweg (Koningsweg Casemate): A powerful nod to the location's military past, transformed into an ultimate spot for peace and comfort. This folly combines rugged, robust concrete and steel elements with a surprisingly warm and contemporary interior. Staying here feels like sleeping in a secure, modern fortress with the ultimate sense of privacy.
Kleine Kapel (Small Chapel): This serene structure pays tribute to contemplation and architectural illusion. The lower facades feature subtle reflections, making the chapel magically seem to disappear against the reflective canopy and trunks of the surrounding trees. Inside, an almost sacred tranquility prevails, enhanced by the beautiful light streaming through the high window structures.
De Hooimijt (The Haystack): Inspired by the classic rural haystack, but with a futuristic twist. Anyone who steps into Folly De Hooimijt will quickly discover that you can open one of the side walls to let the indoor and outdoor spaces merge completely. Featuring a hanging pink staircase, a cleverly hidden bedroom, and a hidden rooftop terrace under the wooden roof, this is an ultimate dream spot for four people.
Verblijf onder de radar (Stay Under the Radar): Right next to the old radar tower and under the branches of a centuries-old oak tree, you will find this cool, industrial accommodation. The interior is characterized by sleek black accents and clever sightlines. The absolute highlight? The double bed located directly beneath a massive glass roof, allowing you to gaze at the treetops and the starry sky right from your pillows.
Woodstack Veluwe: As if a giant stack of dry wood has been laid down on the landscape, threatening to tip over at any moment. Studio AAAN designed this masterpiece to symbolize the transition from forest to heathland. Thanks to the subtle open space between the wooden beams, beautifully filtered sunlight streams in the morning, providing an unprecedented sense of calm upon waking up.
Spothut de Joffers (The Joffers Blind): Hunting and bird-watching enthusiasts will feel right at home here. This folly is designed as a modern, comfortable observation post where you can watch the wildlife on the Veluwe unnoticed and in total luxury while the sun breaks through the trees.
Did you know? Because all the follies are placed strategically and with respect for the ecology of the landscape, there is a great chance you will spot deer, wild boars, or passing birds of prey while enjoying your morning coffee on your rooftop terrace. Nature is always close by here.
Your Vacation Experience on the Veluwe
A stay in one of these follies at Buitenplaats Koningsweg is more than just an overnight stay; it is a total experience where architecture, history, and Veluwe nature come together. Whether you choose the ecological symbiosis of the BAT House, the industrial charm of "Stay Under the Radar," or the playful haystack experience, you are guaranteed to return home inspired and completely relaxed. Combine your stay with a lovely bike ride through Hoge Veluwe National Park or an afternoon of soaking up culture in the vibrant center of Arnhem, and your vacation picture is complete.
Ready to live your own folly adventure? Curious about all the unique structures and want to book a stay right away for your next weekend getaway? 👉 Check out the official website of the BAT House here.
