Bunker Pavilion

• Sleeps: 4
• Bedroom: 1
• Bathrooms: 1 communal
• Minimum stay: 1 night

The Bunker Pavilion is an unforgettable holiday home that’s anything but ordinary! – a former World War II concrete bunker situated among rolling green hills in Fort Vuren, a military fort which formed part in the strategically vital New Dutch Waterline on the banks of the River Waal.

From the outside, The Bunker’s appearance is almost completely unchanged from its days of action, making it an unlikely candidate for a holiday home! However, thanks to an incredibly innovative transformation on the inside, up to four guests can now experience life halfway below the ground in this concrete hideaway, where every feature is made to measure for totally original and practical living.

You’ll feel as if you’re stepping back in time as you pass along the long dark opening to The Bunker and, as you reach the end, a deep, square window to the living area gives a sneak peek of what to expect inside! With your excitement building, it’s time to step through the large glass door, over the threshold of the original rusted metal doorway and into the functional kitchen.

Featuring an electric portable stove alongside a small sink and pots, pans and crockery, this original entranceway now offers all you need for simple self-catering during your stay. From here, another rusted doorway leads you into the main living area, where a host of ingenious interior creations await your discovery!

With just 9m2 of inside living space and only 1.8m at its highest point, The Bunker has been expertly designed by architects B-ILD to feature everything you’ll need for comfortable living, dining and sleeping while maximising every inch of space. With bespoke furniture which folds or slides away as and when you need it – including the dining table and wall bunks – you’ll be amazed by just how much fits into this unique space. You’ll also find items which serve two or even three functions; how about a stool which doubles as a bedside table and a step to the bunkbed above?!

With design inspiration drawn from the great mid-century architect Le Corbusier, The Bunker pays homage to the very best of modernist design – where the warmth of the wooden furnishings contrasts beautifully with the stark concrete walls. With just the bare essentials around you, you’ll be reminded of how little you need to live, relax and enjoy. The Bunker is simple without being sparse, it offers style without pretentiousness, and above all, it provides a truly unique way to enjoy this scenic part of The Netherlands.

Outside The Bunker, a private wooden deck offers the perfect place to enjoy the views, sunbathe in the summer, or share alfresco dinners at the outdoor table for four. Be sure to note the size of the deck; it’s been built to match the outside perimeter of The Bunker exactly, giving you a true idea of this incredible building’s footprint!

At a glance

• Renovated military bunker in Fort Vuren on River Waal, The Netherlands
• Sleeps 4 in ingenious fold-away bunk beds
• Innovative architecture and multi-function furniture makes the most of 9m2 living space
• Custom-made interiors inspired by modernist architect Le Corbusier
• Private deck with outdoor dining furniture
• Enjoy rolling countryside and riverside location
• Utrecht, The Hague, Delft and Gouda all within an hour’s drive

Features

• Family Friendly

More information

During your stay, be sure to explore Fort Vuren, where winding walls have been regenerated with spaces to sit and enjoy a drink in the sunshine, as well as fantastic eateries including The Fortwachterij – an acclaimed restaurant serving delicious lunches and dinners. Take a wander along the banks of the Waal, or perhaps explore one of the many cities in the region, including historic Utrecht, charming Delft, The Hague or (one for cheese fans!) Gouda.

Surely The Bunker is the only place on earth you’ll find a flexible and adjustable holiday home inside the thick concrete walls of military history. So why not try something completely different next time you’re planning your escape from the world?

Things to note

No smoking and no pets permitted.