Tucked into the backyard of a single-family property in the picturesque Dutch village of Abcoude (suburb of Amsterdam), De Automaat is a beautifully designed guesthouse with a fascinating history. Originally built in 1916 as a petroleum warehouse, the building has since been a fashion boutique, a cosmetics salon, and today a cozy, modern tiny house. With a private yard, lofted bedroom, and smart layout, it feels worlds away from the hustle of Amsterdam while still being just a short 20-minute train ride into the city.
Let’s step inside this one-of-a-kind tiny home!
🏡 Main Features
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📏 375-sqft backyard ADU spread over two floors
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🛋️ Cozy living room with couch & chair
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🧑💻 Dining table doubles as a workspace with garden views
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🍳 Kitchenette with fridge, dishwasher, sink & storage
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🚫 No cooktop (short-stay setup, but could be made liveable with one)
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🛁 Full bathroom with rain shower & underfloor heating
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🛏️ Lofted bedroom with queen bed + lounge nook
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🌿 Private fenced backyard with seating
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🏙️ Just 20 minutes by train to Amsterdam
🛋️ Living Room
On the main floor, the living space feels warm and inviting with a simple couch, chair, and plenty of natural light. It’s not a large room, but the layout makes it functional—perfect for curling up with a book, enjoying morning coffee, or chatting with friends.
🍽️ Kitchen & Dining
The kitchenette keeps things simple yet stylish with a fridge, sink, dishwasher, and ample storage space for short stays. While there’s no cooktop or oven, it’s well-suited for prepping light meals or storing local treats. A large dining table sits by the French doors overlooking the street, doubling as a dining spot or a workspace with a view—perfect for remote workers or travelers needing to catch up on emails.
🛏️ Loft Bedroom
Upstairs, the lofted bedroom feels surprisingly spacious, with a queen-sized bed, small lounge area, and even air conditioning. The sloped ceilings and minimalist design give it a cozy, nest-like feel while still leaving enough room to relax or spread out a suitcase.
🚿 Bathroom
The main floor bathroom is sleek and modern, featuring a walk-in rain shower, elegant vanity, and underfloor heating—a luxurious touch during cooler months in the Netherlands. The thoughtful design makes it feel more like a boutique hotel than a backyard guesthouse.
📦 Storage
While storage is limited, the home provides enough space for essentials during short- or medium-term stays. With a few modifications—like adding a wardrobe upstairs or kitchen shelving—this ADU could easily become a longer-term living option.
🌿 Outdoor Space
One of the best features of De Automaat is the private fenced backyard, completely separate from the main property. Guests can enjoy a quiet breakfast outdoors, let a pet roam, or simply relax in the fresh air. Combined with the home’s central yet peaceful location, it offers the best of both worlds—tranquil village living and quick access to Amsterdam.
🏛️ The Story of De Automaat
What makes this tiny home truly unique is its history. Built in 1916 for a petroleum company, the original warehouse stored fuel in sealed iron barrels, which were then dispensed using an automatic filling machine called De Automaat. Over the years, the building evolved into fashion boutiques and a cosmetics salon before being reimagined as this stunning tiny home. Today, it blends its industrial past with modern charm, offering guests both a comfortable stay and a story to tell.
The Perfect Tiny Retreat Near Amsterdam
Staying at De Automaat was the perfect mix of charm, history, and functionality. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful weekend getaway, a unique stay near Amsterdam, or just inspiration for backyard ADUs, this tiny house delivers in every way.
Would you live in this backyard ADU? Let us know in the comments! 👇
Book now: $175+ per night!
📍 Location: Abcoude, Netherlands — 20-minute train ride from Amsterdam!
📐 Size: 375-sqft
🏡 Type: Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
▶️ Watch a shorter walkthrough:
Head to their Airbnb listing to check out their availability!
Follow @dreambiglivetiny for more tiny house tours, cozy cottage inspiration, and off-grid escapes around the U.S. & the rest of the world 🏡🌎
Images courtesy of ©Airbnb.
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+Hi There!
My name is Alan—founder at Dream Big Live Tiny Co! A few years ago, I quit my consulting job to pursue a life full of adventure. After traveling around the world for a year, I sold most of my stuff and moved into an 160-sqft tiny house. Now I spend most of my time showcasing incredible people living with less in pursuit of more freedom, as well as incredible tiny houses around the world!