In Overijssel, the quiet villages of IJhorst and Staphorst offer a business traveler’s ideal balance: easy access to regional centers, fast WiFi, and dedicated workspaces wrapped in serene Dutch countryside. If you’re scouting vacation rentals or holiday rentals with a penthouse feel, IJhorst provides a distinctive option set where comfort and productivity converge. The penthouse accommodation scene here tends to emphasize generous, light-filled living spaces, private terraces, and high-speed internet that can handle video conferences, cloud-based collaboration tools, and streaming during downtime. For anyone prioritizing a reliable dedicated workspace, IJhorst, Staphorst, and the surrounding Overijssel landscape present a compelling combination of rural calm and practical connectivity.
Why IJhorst and Staphorst are appealing for business travelers
The IJhorst enclave sits within a network of small towns in Overijssel that are both peaceful and well-connected. A business traveler benefits from short commutes to Zwolle and Meppel, where regional rail and highway routes open up a wider set of options for meetings, client visits, or quick day trips. The area’s typical accommodation style blends modern penthouse comfort with a rural backdrop—think bright, open-plan living areas, floor-to-ceiling windows that invite natural light, and private balconies or terraces for a post-work wind-down. The focus of this region’s vacation rentals is on practical comfort: ergonomic desks, high-speed WiFi, quiet streets, on-site parking, and soundproofing that helps maintain focus across long work sessions. In IJhorst and nearby Staphorst, you’ll find that many penthouse units are designed to maximize productivity without sacrificing the sense of space and privacy that travelers crave after back-to-back meetings.
Penthouse accommodations: dedicated workspace and fast wifi
When you’re on assignment or running a remote project, the workspace quality matters as much as the bed quality. In the IJhorst area, penthouse accommodations often feature:
- Dedicated work desks with ample surface area and comfortable, ergonomic chairs
- High-speed Internet connections (often 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps fiber or equivalent) with stable uplink for video calls and large file transfers
- Quiet or soundproofed rooms to minimize interruptions during virtual meetings
- Multiple power outlets and USB-C charging hubs, plus organized cable management
- Bright, natural lighting and adjustable lighting for screen use and reading
- Fast, reliable WiFi roaming options where available in multi-room penthouse layouts
- Dedicated or semi-private work zones to separate work from leisure spaces
- Balconies or terraces that serve as a quick outdoor break area without leaving the apartment
Additionally, many properties emphasize a seamless work-life balance with in-unit smart home features, secure WiFi networks, and spaces designed to reduce distractions. Even in a scenic rural setting, you should expect to find the same level of reliability you’d demand from a business district hotel—just with the added charm of Dutch countryside views.
Destinations and nearby experiences from IJhorst
IJhorst and the Staphorst region sit at a crossroads of nature, culture, and regional cuisine. Within a short drive or bicycle ride, you can explore several destinations that enrich a work-focused stay by offering day-trip options, weekend breaks, or leisurely evenings after work calls. The nearby areas are known for waterways, forests, and small towns that celebrate traditional Dutch crafts and regional foods.
– While Giethoorn is a bit of a drive from IJhorst, it’s often included as a day-trip favorite for visitors who want to see the iconic canal village. Smooth boat rides, picturesque footbridges, and quiet canals create a relaxing contrast to a busy workday. Even if you don’t plan a full tourist excursion, a late afternoon stroll along the waterways can be an ideal way to reset and recharge. – Zwolle offers a compact city center with shops, cafes, and reliable business facilities. The proximity makes it practical to combine office time with an efficient afternoon of errands, a client lunch, or a quick coworking space visit if you need a different environment for a high-stakes video conference. - – These neighboring towns provide additional dining options, cultural experiences, and scenic routes along historic waterways. For travelers who enjoy winding streets and a more intimate town feel, they’re worth including in your planning.
- The Weerribben-Wieden National Park – One of the Netherlands’ best-preserved wetland areas, this park offers peaceful trails, boating opportunities, and abundant wildlife. It’s an excellent choice for a midday break or a weekend excursion that keeps you close to nature while you remain based in IJhorst.
- Local heritage in Staphorst – Staphorst is known for its distinctive regional culture and traditional crafts. A stroll through the town can provide a quick cultural interlude between meetings, with chances to observe local textiles and crafts that reflect centuries of regional history.
Activities and local experiences in Overijssel
Beyond the office and penthouse comforts, Overijssel offers a broad palette of activities that suit a balanced itinerary of work and leisure. Here are some suggestions that fit a business traveler’s timeframe and energy levels:
- Cycling and walking trails – The region’s relatively flat terrain makes it ideal for early-morning or late-afternoon rides. You can map a route from IJhorst to surrounding villages or along scenic rural lanes that wind through forests and agricultural land.
- Water-based activities – Boating, paddleboarding, and gentle canal cruises are common around Giethoorn and nearby towns. These activities offer a refreshing break without requiring an all-day commitment.
- Nature photography and birdwatching – The lowland wetlands and forests are home to a variety of birds and wildlife. If you enjoy a quiet morning shoot or a late-afternoon stroll, the landscapes around IJhorst provide ample opportunities.
- Local markets and seasonal tastings – Seasonal markets and regional tastings let you sample Dutch specialties, including fresh dairy products and local pastries—perfect for a midday recharge.
- Historical sites and architecture – Short tours of church towers, windmills, and preserved farmhouses give a sense of the regional cultural fabric that’s distinct from larger urban centers.
- Food and craft scenes – Staphorst’s textile heritage and nearby towns offer small galleries and craft shops where you can browse unique goods, often at a pace better suited to a flexible schedule than a crowded urban center.
Dining, culture, and local flavor
For a business traveler who wants to unwind with a good meal after a day of calls, IJhorst and the surrounding area deliver a range of dining options. Expect cozy eateries with regional Dutch dishes, seasonal menus, and farm-to-table influences, plus cafes that provide reliable coffee and quiet corners for a quick review of notes or a Skype call between meals. In Staphorst, you’ll often encounter traditional Dutch hospitality paired with modern dining concepts, making it possible to entertain clients or enjoy a relaxed dinner after a long workday. Local breweries and small bistros offer a taste of the region’s craft scene without the bustle of a big city, enabling a smoother work-rest balance during longer stays.
Practical tips for staying in a penthouse in IJhorst
To make the most of a penthouse stay aimed at productivity, consider the following practical points:
- When booking, verify the speed and reliability of the internet and ask about any data caps or service interruptions during peak work hours.
- Request a dedicated workspace with a comfortable chair, desk lighting, and a proximity to power outlets or USB charging options.
- Check for quiet hours, wall insulation, and window treatments that minimize noise from the street or neighboring units.
- Evaluate the layout: a separation between living and working areas helps maintain balance and reduces work-related fatigue.
- Confirm parking arrangements if you’re traveling by car. Easy access and on-site or gated parking reduce daily friction.
- Look for a terrace or balcony with a view to provide a productive outdoor break space—especially valuable on sunny days.
- Consider proximity to grocery stores and pharmacies for convenience during longer stays or when you’re on a tight schedule.
- Incorporate a backup plan: know the nearest coworking options or quiet cafés in Zwolle or Meppel should you need a change of scenery.
How to find the right penthouse and other accommodations
Finding the right penthouse accommodation in IJhorst and the Staphorst region involves aligning the property’s features with your work style, travel schedule, and downtime preferences. A few tips to streamline your search:
- Prioritize properties that advertise a dedicated, clearly defined workspace with desk space, comfortable seating, and strong WiFi tests or guest WiFi reviews.
- Read guest reviews focused on connectivity reliability, noise levels, and the responsiveness of hosts or property managers to requests.
- Look for multi-room layouts that separate work from rest spaces, plus access to outdoor work areas if you enjoy fresh air while reviewing documents.
- Check for flexible check-in/out options and clear cancellation policies, especially if your travel plans are subject to change.
- Assess the location’s accessibility to your business needs—distance to meeting venues, airports, and highways matters for time management.
- Consider the overall value: a higher rental rate may be justified by better work amenities, upgraded kitchen facilities, and a larger private outdoor area.
When you’re ready to compare options, a suitable starting point is to browse dedicated listings on searchandstay.com. This platform aggregates vacation rentals and holiday rentals in the IJhorst and Overijssel region, highlighting penthouse accommodations with strong work-ready features and dependable wifi. It’s a practical way to filter for properties that emphasize privacy, workspace, and quiet environment, while still offering the comforts of a modern home.
Your next steps for a productive and relaxing stay
Planning a stay in IJhorst, Staphorst, Overijssel isn’t just about choosing a place to sleep; it’s about selecting a productive home base, a gateway to regional discoveries, and an opportunity to experience Dutch countryside hospitality. Start by identifying a penthouse accommodation that prioritizes dedicated workspace and fast wifi, then build a schedule that balances work blocks with short breaks in nature or local culture. A well-planned itinerary might look like this:
- Morning: start with a focused work block in the penthouse, then a 30-minute walk nearby to refresh your focus.
- Late morning: attend virtual meetings or client calls from the work area, leveraging the quiet environment and strong connectivity.
- Lunch: a quick local meal or a prepared option in the apartment, followed by a short stroll in a nearby village.
- Mid-afternoon: a longer block of deep work, possibly followed by a local activity—cycling, a canal ride, or a visit to a nearby market.
- Evening: unwind with a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant or cooked at the penthouse, and plan for the next day’s workflow.
By combining workspace-centric accommodations with easy access to nature and culture, you can maximize productivity while preserving the energy and inspiration that travel often brings. The IJhorst area offers a balanced backdrop for a business traveler who values comfort, connectivity, and a quiet environment—without sacrificing the opportunity to explore a charming part of the Netherlands.

