Old Dutch water tower turned eclectic hotel surrounded by stunning park
Villa Augustus / Dordrecht / Netherlands
I am always on the look out for quirky hotels. Hotels that are different and unique. And few things make me as happy as when I find such hotels where I least expect to. This was totally the case with Villa Augustus. It is located in the outskirts of the small Dutch town of Dordrecht, not too far from Rotterdam.
So what is so special about this hotel? The main building is an old water tower from 1881 that was gently transformed into a hotel in 2003. In total there are 45 rooms, 20 are in the water tower, 17 are so called garden rooms and 8 are on a house boat that is mooring in the nearby river.
No two rooms at Villa Augustus are the same. They have been designed by Dorine de Vos and she shows a lot of respect for the heritage of the building. I love that the headboards for the beds are the old doors found in the water tower.
On top of an amazing garden you’ll also find a restaurant across the garden from the water tower. It is situated in the old pump house dating back to 1942. And make sure you swing by their shop/bakery. The cakes (or ”fika” as we say in Swedish) is to die for.
Welcome to Villa Augustus!
The old water tower is such an impressive building.
The coolest room is located in one of the glass towers on the top floor.
The hotel reception bathing in colors from the surrounding gardens.
The reception gives you a good idea about the look and feel of the hotel. Quirky, unique and colorful.
All rooms are different, designed with mis-matching vintage furniture.
The headboard of our bed is made out of old doors from the water tower.
I am a huge fan of these big, factory style windows. Especially when you can enjoy the view through them from the bed.
Me drinking my morning coffee in the Lantern Room. Great way to start the day.
A view of the gardens and the restaurant in the old pump house.
Tables have been set for dinner.
M strolling around through the garden enjoying all the amazing flowers.
Such richness when it comes to beautiful flowers and plants.
In the back of the hotel, the garden is totally different, resembling a more traditional English garden. I love the contrast!
Flowers, flowers everywhere.
The shop at Villa Augustus is a wonderful little treasure chest where you can find everything you could ever need for your home and then some. They also sell organic vegetables and the best pies in the country.
This lamp in the shop is created out of different items found on a nearby beach. Beautiful and upsetting at the same time.
The water tower dressed in Summer.
My favorite part of the garden. Great place to read in the shade.
The dam at the back of the hotel, facing the river.
RG inside info
This place is perfect if you…
…want to stay at an eclectic looking destination hotel where you don’t have to leave the grounds. Everything you need is here.
My favorite thing about this place…
…is the garden. It is so beautiful! And a lot of what is served in the restaurant comes from this garden.
Best time to visit…
…I would say late Spring/early Summer when the garden is in full bloom. It is like an explosion of colors.
What not to miss when staying here…
…is to sample some (all?) of the cakes in the bakery. We bought one of each and brought back to the room for a cake fiesta. Yum!
If you like this place you might also like…
Norrmans, Klippinge, Denmark
Villa Verdin, Millstatt, Austria
Palazzo del Maggiore, Pigna, Liguria, Italy
