Penthouse by Jeroen de Nijs
The comfortable Penthouse, located near the Schoorl sand dunes and right at the edge of the forest in Schoorl, Netherlands, was designed by architect Jeroen de Nijs in 2024. The spacious apartment combines natural tones and materials with a layout that maximises natural light and views, delivering a tranquil, vacation-like atmosphere for a family looking to escape city living.
Weekend Getaway Surrounded By Nature
The location near the Schoorl sand dunes and right at the edge of the forest inspired architect Jeroen de Nijs in the design of this apartment. The result is a comfortable weekend home that feels like a vacation getaway.
Owners Enjoy Easy Commute From City Center
The owners of this weekend apartment live in the city center of Alkmaar during the week. Wanting to escape the hustle and bustle, they searched for a weekend retreat close to the forest, beach, and dunes. Schoorl turned out to be the perfect place. With their three young boys, they wanted an easy commute between their city home and the weekend retreat, and here they found the ideal spot to make that dream come true.
Outdoor Living Feeling At The Forest Edge
As avid cyclists, they love racing through the forest trails, and the moment you step outside here, you already have one wheel in the woods. At the same time, the charm of Schoorl, the beach, and several restaurants are just around the corner. The green forest edge is the first thing you see when entering the apartment. The feeling of outdoor living in nature overwhelms you and doesn’t let go. The light, natural tones and materials create a soft and spacious atmosphere, contributing to the sense of tranquility and comfort.
Skylights, Colors and Materials Create A Soft Spacious Atmosphere
This is further enhanced by several skylights that let sunlight pour deeply into the space, with the shifting shadows hinting at the time of day. The sofa is arranged around the open fireplace in a way that makes you feel like you’re sitting around a campfire with a view of the forest.
Architect Makes The Most Of Existing Space
“When we bought the apartment, it was a bare shell, an open space. We had some ideas and wishes, but to truly make something special out of it, we asked architect and interior designer Jeroen de Nijs for help. He listened carefully and first created a spatial plan with the right layout, natural light, and views. He also perfectly translated the look and feel of the surroundings into a comfortable flow within the interior. He used the steel construction and bracing elements to reinforce this concept—while we had initially wanted to hide them with a lowered ceiling. Every weekend we spend here feels like a holiday. Even if we’re indoors all day, that outdoor feeling remains. The spaciousness and natural materials play an important role in that,” the owners explain.
A Space To Relax Together In Any Circumstances
Their favorite spot depends on the time of day: in front of the fireplace, at the bar, in the bath, or on the sunny terrace. It’s not a large home, but it feels very spacious. “The contrast with city life—which we also really enjoy—is striking. Life here simply moves at a slower pace, and we feel more connected to nature,” they conclude.
Photography by Peter Baas
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