We had some doubts whether we would include this destination in our portfolio. It is not typically a luxury accommodation, but at the same time it is so charming, and we are having such a good time that we cannot withhold it from you.
Michiel and Katja's holiday home Zilt aan Zee where we stay for a week, is located on the largest island in the Netherlands called Texel. It belongs to the province of Noord-Holland, has a land area of approximately 170 km² and 13,657 inhabitants. Most likely the name Texel is derived from the Germanic word tehswa, which means "right" or "southern". Probably it owes this to its position as the most southern Wadden island. Texel became an island due to the All-Saints’ Flood of 1170. From the city of Den Helder the crossing takes about half an hour.
As soon as we get off the ferry, the island feeling descends on us: what a peace and wonderful time away from home. Zilt aan Zee is in a small-scale bungalow park with lots of rabbits. It is lush green and so quiet that we only hear the birds chirping. The cottage is fully equipped. The owners love to cook, so the kitchen has a relatively extensive inventory: oven, dishwasher, Nespresso machine, kettle, and a Weber BBQ. Furthermore, the whole is stylishly decorated with many candles and it has a cosy fireplace.
For those who want to work a bit or want to binge-watch on vacation, there is high speed internet and a smart TV with all the options for watching programs and films. The dining area is in the kitchen which is connected to the living room by a passage. We really enjoy the wonderfully large and sunny garden, which is completely shielded by natural vegetation. There are several terraces so that there is always a place in the sun and out of the wind. Although it is still a bit chilly now, we can sit outside every day. Our daughters make intensive use of the trampoline and at the end of the day we light the outdoor fireplace for having a glass of wine and toasted marshmallows. In a separate shed you can store any bicycles you bring along or rent and there is a whole stack of cushions with which you can make yourself comfortable on one of the many outdoor seats.
The modern living room
The house is located against the forest and close to the beach. Although the sea is still very fresh, we go out to surf the waves. We brought are own boards, so they are waiting to be used :-) It is a bit of a bite, but at the same time we have the sea all to ourselves. For those who prefer warmer and calmer water, the swimming pool "De Calluna" is a 5-minute bike ride away. In any case, this is an island to explore by bicycle. Both De Koog and the cozy Den Burg are within fifteen minutes by bike. If you are too tired from all the efforts, there is a bus stop 2 minutes walk from the house.
The landscape on Texel is rich and diverse. Besides polders, wide sandy beaches, dunes, lighthouses and grasslands, Texel also has heather, forest, and salt marshes. There is a constant struggle against the power of the sea and wind. During a heavy storm, tens or even hundreds of meters of dunes can be removed. A special phenomenon is De Slufter, an area within the broad dune chain on the northwest side of the island, full of creeks and channels, which is in open connection with the North Sea. It arose after the construction of the 'Zanddijk' between the Oude Texel and Eyerland in 1629 and several unsuccessful attempts to close the row of dunes to the west. At high tide, part of De Slufter floods and at low tide the water runs through the channels back to the sea. This caused silt formation and salinization and the vegetation had to adapt.
Another beautiful walking area is the Bollekamer. We walk there along route "blue" when the path is suddenly blocked by a herd of quietly ruminating cows. It remains a wonderful experience: coming face to face with Scottish highlanders. They are impressive cows, with their large horns and droll ponies of reddish-brown locks. In the “Duinen van Texel” National Park you have the chance that you will encounter them while hiking in various places. Even more impressive is a meeting with a herd of Exmoor ponies. These are the last primeval ponies in Europe. They have retained their natural properties and have a natural shyness towards humans. Exmoor ponies manage well in harsh winters without shelter or extra food. Although one is asked at the entrance not to approach the animals, we are totally surprised once one of them is coming over to us and want to near the girls. Our daughters love horses, so we really enjoy this magical moment.
Following this adventure, we book ourselves ourselves a ride at Manage Kikkert. And even with some rain we enjoy a beautiful ride through the forest. In summer you might try their summerlocation for a ride on the beach.
Texel is also a popular place for bird watchers. On some days, an experienced bird watcher can spot as many as a hundred different species. In the spring, about 80 different bird species breeds, especially in the dune areas, but a total of about 300 species have been observed on Texel.
Since birds are not immediately extremely popular with our family, we pay a visit to the seal sanctuary Ecomare. This centre combines shelter for seals and birds with a nature museum and sea aquarium. Fifteen seals are permanently housed. In general, they are seals in their first year of life. They are sick or weakened or have lost their mother during the nursing period. Because harbor seals are born in the summer and gray ones in the winter, there are seals in the sanctuary at Ecomare almost all year round. The entire collection process can be followed: from the quarantine areas inside to the group basins outside. When the animals weigh about 30 kilos, they are released back into the Wadden Sea. The versatility of the centre gives us a comprehensive picture of the nature of the Wadden Sea and the North Sea. In addition, Ecomare organizes active outdoor programs and excursions for schools and tourists in the Texel countryside, along the beach and on the mudflats. Ecomare is in the “Duinen van Texel” National Park. The Duinpark, an area of about 50 ha that can only be reached via Ecomare, is part of the outside area of the centre. Two hiking trails run through the Duinpark: a short children's route and a walk of about 3 km. Educational play elements have been placed along the children's route. A walk here is highly recommended!
Also genuinely nice is the Shipwreck and Beachcombing Museum in De Koog. There are various beachcomber finds on display in different areas. In addition, attention is paid to pilotage and rescue, ship stranding’s and fishing. It is a wonderfully messy place where the kids can romp to their heart's content.
And for those who mainly want to relax, there is a whole series of cozy beach pavilions. Texel is known for its good food and it shows. Even the smallest restaurants or food trucks have an excellent menu. The island itself has its own beer brewery. Another reason to take a bike ride.
WOW
# Nice and stylish house (fireplace is a big plus), spacious, very well-equipped kitchen and plenty of space around the house to sit in the large garden or on the terrace.
# The island feeling is great; away from home and there is something to do for everyone. All ingredients for a successful holiday are present here; the beautiful location close to the sea with its many cosy beach bars. The house is within walking distance of forest and the dune area where you can walk and the beach.
# Easy check-in and check-out and friendly landlords who are available and ready if anything is needed. Giving you a warm welcome at the start.
