Renske

Woodsy 2024

Being in nature gives me space. That’s how it feels. Few stimuli, peace, the sound of birds and nothing else. Here, I can clear my mind. Our kids are just as in love with nature as I am, so a day in the forest is a big celebration for them too: looking for pinecones, collecting colorful leaves, and splashing in puddles. It’s no surprise that I’ve been dreaming of having my own place in nature for years. Preferably in a forest, and we’ve now found that dream spot. In Essen, Belgium.

Woodsy was born out of a love for being outdoors, combined with my years of experience as a “discoverer of cool places to stay,” mostly in the Netherlands and Flanders. Places hidden in the woods, only reachable by foot, cabins that can be extended, and cottages within walking distance of the sea. Since 2013, I’ve discovered hundreds of accommodations, each one unique. Over the years, I developed a “Renske checklist,” featuring things that complete a stay for me: from a fireplace to a hot tub, and from bikes to comfy beds. I’ve poured all that experience into our own cabin, and I’m excited to share it with you. But not just for one night, because that’s too short to truly get to know Woodsy.

The search

After months (years) of scrolling through various websites, we went on a plot-hunting road trip in April 2023: looking for forest plots designated as “recreation areas,” where we’d be allowed to build. It was a lengthy process, including applying for deforestation permission from the Forest and Nature agency. But in November 2023, we became the proud owners of 1,500 square meters of forest! A plot without any view of neighbors, fully owned, where you can only hear nature.

The design
Based on the building regulations, I started designing the cabin. The building rules vary by plot and must be followed to obtain a building permit. In Belgium, it’s mandatory to work with an architect, as they are the only ones who can submit the building plans for the permit application. I designed the cabin myself, and a draftsman translated my design into technical drawings, which were then submitted to the municipality by the architect. It took five months before we received the “verdict.” We didn’t sit idle during those five months, though. Everything was already planned and prepared, so we could start right away when the permit came through.

The construction
In early July 2024, we began building Woodsy. It’s made entirely of wood, with windows reaching as high as the ceiling, cozy sleeping nooks, and a walk-around bathroom. The forest has always been the main focus, so being outdoors is just as important as staying inside. In the Woodsy forest, there’s an outdoor shower and plunge tank, a hot tub, and we’ve built a spacious terrace with a garden table and outdoor stove for cooking. In the shed, there are two bikes to explore the forest, and you can chop your own firewood in the woodpile.

Woodsy was designed and built with lots of love. It has stolen a piece of our hearts, and we hope you’ll treat it with love and care too. We wish you a wonderful stay!