Time Travel: Airbnb brings “Historical Homes” Category to the Netherlands

Cultural tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors, accounting for 40% of all tourism worldwide¹. To accommodate this growing demand for heritage-related travel, Airbnb has launched a new Historical Homes Category, making it easier for guests to discover authentic cultural and historical stays in the Netherlands.

To date, the Historical Homes Category on Airbnb is available in 26 countries, bringing the current total number of historical homes to around 45,000². Nearly half of Dutch homes³ in this category are located in the countryside, helping to disperse the benefits of tourism to rural and lesser visited areas, whilst showcasing the beauty of the Dutch culture.

Historical Homes Hosts on Airbnb offer unique listings of historical significance dating from the 19th-century or earlier, and provide unforgettable travel experiences to guests looking for cultural stays. From a 12th-century castle in Gelderland, to a converted windmill in the middle of the Friesland countryside, Dutch Hosts of historic homes welcome their guests from all over the Netherlands.

Six bedroom 19th century historical eco estate – Velsen-Zuid, Noord-Holland

Only 10 minutes from the beach and 20 minutes from Amsterdam, this unique home was built in the 19th century and has been carefully renovated to keep its historical charm.

Former wheat mill in the countryside – Bergharen, Gelderland

The pumping station of an old flour mill has made way for a luxuriously furnished holiday home for 12 people with six bedrooms and spacious living, working and cooking facilities both inside and outside.

Private room in a former flower bulb barn – Voorhout, Zuid-Holland

Spacious private room in a completely restored monumental flower bulb barn from 1894 – surrounded by beautiful nature reserves and beaches within walking distance.

Private room in a provincial monument from the early 1800s – De Kwakel, Noord-Holland

The cosiness of the Tolhuissluis, which connects the Amstel to the Drecht and the Aar canal, in combination with the tranquility of the polder at the rear, provides a truly unique stay at this B&B that dates back to the early 1800s.

Authentic polder mill in the middle of a nature reserve – Tietjerk, Friesland

This 120-year-old mill has combined many authentic details with modern colors and trendy furniture. From your bed, you look through the glass ceiling at the wooden gear, which can be illuminated at night; and the bathroom boasts a great view over the meadows.

As the category spotlights the rich architectural heritage of unique homes, It comes as no surprise that in Europe, over 92% of historic listings receive the highest rating of five stars.

“The new Historical Homes Category on Airbnb will not only allow travelers from all over the world to discover the richness of the Netherlands’ cultural heritage, it also opens up previously overlooked destinations and helps disperse tourism and its economic benefits. With the new category, we want to help make tourism even more diverse and celebrate the provinces outside of the usual hotspots – offering guests the opportunity to experience our unique Dutch culture”.

Rosa Dinnissen, Public Policy Lead of the Netherlands and Nordics at Airbnb.

For more information on how to become part of the community of hosts, visit https://www.airbnb.nl/host