Travel

Our flat in Amsterdam

October 20, 2016

One of the best things about our move to Amsterdam so far has been the flat we’re renting here – I just love it! And it’s a good job: since I’m working more from home now, I’m going to be spending a LOT of time in it…

When we agreed to move, we decided to throw caution to the wind by spending a big chunk of our income on a flat that had enough space for visitors, and was central enough for people to want to visit. We also figured that if we were going to move to Amsterdam, we might as well pay for the experience of actually living right in the thick of it, rather than in some well-connected but anonymous suburb. This apartment is just off Vondelpark so everything is on our doorstep. It’s insane!

As soon as we walked into this flat I knew I wanted to live here. Luckily, we were the first couple to view it, so we could snap it up. Another good thing was that all of the flats we viewed were the same (eye-watering) price (renting here is comparable to London), which meant we were able to discount cost in favour of more touchy-feely reasons for choosing this place (yay!).

First things first: we’re up on the third and fourth floors, so there are a LOT of (very steep) stairs before you even get to our front door, and then two more flights before you reach the living area, which is right at the top of the building.

Our flat in Amsterdam | Everyday30.com

Our flat in Amsterdam | Everyday30.com

It’s like having a built-in gym – a big change from our ground-floor flat in London, which contained a grand total of two steps. Between scooting up and down stairs all day and cycling everywhere, I’m willing to bet that the Dutch have the most toned bums and thighs in Europe…

Anyway, it’s worth the climb to get to the living area: it’s open plan with loads of light and a lovely flow – there’s also a terrace (come summer, you’ll find me up here working-slash-sunbathing)…

Our flat in Amsterdam | Everyday30.com

The kitchen is quite a step up from the one in our London flat (translation: IT HAS A DISHWASHER, WOO HOO!!) I love being able to cook and still interact with people – our kitchen in London was at the far end of the house from our lounge/diner, which meant I was constantly yelling from there and shuttling food and plates up and down the corridor.

This is our bedroom, which faces the street. My favourite thing about this room? There’s nothing under the bed! In London, we had so many jam-packed suitcases and boxes crammed under our bed, and it drove me crazy. Don’t get me wrong: we are still the sheepish owners of dozens of vacuum-pack bags stuffed with clothes. But at least now they are properly hidden away. The only thing I find under the bed these days is dust (and occasionally Oscar 😉 ).

Oscar actually has the best room in the house – we owed him that much since his room in London was so tiny. He now has about 500% more space for himself, and get this: it’s spread over two rooms. This is his bedroom…

Our flat in Amsterdam | Everyday30.com

…and this is another ‘lounge’, all for him.

Our flat in Amsterdam | Everyday30.com

He loves being allowed to keep his train set out for as long as he likes rather than packing it away each night, and being physically able to have more than one set of toys in action at a time. He even has his own sofa to drive his cars around on, which means Juan and I have the sofa in the main lounge to ourselves once again. Everybody’s happy 🙂

What do you think? Are we insane to splash out on renting here? Or is life too short?

PS – How to achieve kitchen zen, travelling with children and a great inner-city buggy.

Did you know we’re social?
Come find us on Twitter, Facebook and Bloglovin'

You Might Also Like

4 Comments

  • Sabrina.m.russo@gmail.com'
    Reply Sabrina October 20, 2016 at 8:44 am

    OMG I LOVE IT! I’d love a special lounge for Theo and all his crap (sorry, toys) 😉
    Lush, enjoy!

    • Reply Nicky October 21, 2016 at 7:00 pm

      Thanks, I know, it’s a big change from what we are used to! Come and visit us – the boys can hang in their lounge! Xx

  • bronnie.middleton@gmail.com'
    Reply Bronnie December 9, 2016 at 3:44 pm

    The place looks beautiful! I do love the modern, simplicity of flats in Amsterdam. The place I stayed in while visiting for a weekend was quite similar. So comfortable and homely.

    • Reply Nicky December 24, 2016 at 8:25 am

      Thanks Bronnie! We’re planning to enjoy it while we have it! x

    Leave a Reply to Sabrina Cancel Reply