As soon as the first warm rays of sunshine peek through the clouds and the buds dare to bloom, I too emerge—like some sleepy bear stepping out of hibernation. I always say it, loud and clear: I do not like winter. Full stop. But spring? Spring gives me wings. Literally. Like in that famous energy drink ad—but prettier and more poetic.
The sun lures me outside like a mischievous child waving a secret, and I can’t resist. I toss a book into the basket of my bike and start pedaling. I cross the Merwede by ferry, that charming little detour, and lose myself among the narrow streets of Dordrecht—a town that’s been around since 1220 and proudly holds the title of the oldest city in South Holland.
Dordrecht is a picturesque medieval dream, with Renaissance charm and Art Nouveau flourishes, boats lined up neatly in the harbors like they’re posing for postcards. In spring, the whole city feels like a movie set. I could stroll for hours on those cobbled streets, and sometimes I do. I have a few favorite reading spots along Voorstraatshaven, where I like to sit with a book and do a bit of people-watching. But today’s story isn’t really about Dordrecht—at least not entirely.
It’s about a place in Dordrecht. A magical, almost secret place. A place that seems forgotten by time.
Villa Augustus.
It’s hard to describe this place without turning into a romantic fool (which, let’s face it, I am): a lush garden, a whimsical hotel that looks like a castle where some modern-day Sleeping Beauty is waiting—patiently or not—for her prince. And speaking of princes, I saw a quote on Facebook the other day that made me laugh: “Forget Prince Charming. Go for the wolf—he sees you better, hears you better, and eats you better.” Touché.
But back to Villa Augustus—my Dutch fairy tale.
This place is high on my personal list of wonderlands, right up there with the Cărturești Carousel Bookstore in Bucharest and Mogoșoaia Palace. Described on their website as a hotel and restaurant in the middle of a vegetable garden, Villa Augustus is exactly that—and so much more.
The garden, which stretches over 1.5 hectares, sits on the site of the former water tower of Dordrecht. In 2006, that old tower was transformed into a magical green haven, complete with vegetable patches, an orchard, an Italian garden, and even a tiny forest. Today, the hotel has 37 rooms, each uniquely decorated. No two are the same. Some have views of the Wantij river, others of the blooming garden. Even the corridors have stories—the paneling and headboards are made from the original tower doors!
At 33 meters high, the tower still stands tall. And up on the top floor? A room like no other: The Lantern Room (Lantaren Kamer), with a breathtaking panoramic view. On a clear day, you can even spot the Euromast in Rotterdam! It’s a bit of a fairytale indulgence at €190 per night—but oh, what a night it must be. I’ve visited the room (how could I resist?), but sleeping there would feel a little extravagant when I live just 15 minutes away. Still, never say never, right?
And then there’s the food. Oh, the food. At the entrance to the restaurant, there’s a market offering baked goods from their own kitchen, fruits and vegetables straight from the garden, and all sorts of local delights. The menu follows the rhythm of the seasons—you can taste spring, summer, autumn, all in one forkful.
From early spring until the golden whispers of late October, you can sit out on the garden terrace, sip a cappuccino among lemon trees, and watch the gardeners at work—sowing, planting, harvesting. In the evening, you can tiptoe down to the river to watch the sunset paint the sky in pinks and golds. Honestly, what could be better?
Inside the restaurant, your eyes will dance too: one chandelier is made entirely from beachcombed treasures by British artist Stuart Haygarth. Another, from cups, plates, forks, and spoons—a kind of joyful chaos hanging overhead.
The name Villa Augustus pays homage to Emperor Augustus (63 BC – 14 AD), known for his thoughtful city planning and for ushering in an era of peace. It also nods to the month of August—the month of harvest. Fitting, don’t you think?
This is one of my favorite spots to read, dream, sip cappuccino, and lose time in the best possible way. Did I mention their lemon cake is divine? I probably should have started with that.