Following a five-year restoration led by Dutch hospitality company Aedes and designed by Amsterdam-based design studio, Buro Belén, De Durgerdam, opened in 2023 as a refreshingly considerate concept of 14 guestrooms and restaurant located 20 minutes from downtown Amsterdam.

Nestled in the picturesque fishing village of Durgerdam along the banks of the IJmeer, the project aimed to seamlessly integrate within the quaint lakeside community. Rekindling the charm and allure of the once-beloved maritime inn favored by sailors and 'Golden Age' merchants.

Despite its unchanged exterior, significant structural work was undertaken. Large parts of its structure had to be carefully dismantled and put back together as a puzzle. This approach allowed for the salvage and preservation of as many monumental materials whilst extending the property’s lifespan. With this, the building was given the new function of an understated design hotel with a restaurant, drawing room, winesnug, and a contemporary interior that reflects the rich history and nautical heritage of the location.

The brief for the interiors was to create two very distinct environments for guests. In the restaurant, the heart of the building, guests find a convivial open plan place inspired by the Dutch social approach to life 'gezelligheid'. Here, guests gather around a vintage sharing table beneath the captivating glow of an Ingo Maurer’s chandelier, "Lacrime del Pescatore", subtly paying homage to the village's fishing heritage whilst the open fire in the open kitchen is burning.

In contrast, the guestrooms provide a serene retreat, meticulously designed to prioritize comfort and sustainability. Infused with the charm and character of the lakeside setting, the interior design combines rich and unusual materials and textures, soft lighting and bespoke green ochre or brick red hues dependent on the rooms compass position to make optimal use of natural light. Design details in the rooms and suites include bespoke hand-glazed tiles from Royal Tichelaar Makkum; a bespoke local tulipwood headboard, and a bespoke silk velvet throw inspired by the rich fabrics depicted in 17th-century paintings. Upstairs, the inn accommodates three suites and one room, accessed via the building's untouched original staircase. Whilst the other ten rooms are housed in a garden annexe added in 2006.

Committed to sustainability, The 17th-century building now runs on renewable energy – provided by 32 rooftop solar panels and a green energy supplier – and its operations are entirely gas-free. De Durgerdam has implemented a range of sustainable initiatives, including water recycling systems, LED lighting, composting machines and and integrated repurposed or FSC-certified materials with a long lifespan. And, even though construction is complete, Aedes is still working on reducing the hotel's operational footprint, to 20% with the aim of being zero waste by the end of 2024.