My wife, grown daughter and I spent 6 delightful nights at Tannery Lane. We found our way in from nearby modern public parking lot, entering a postcard-perfect street along a canal and disappeared down a narrow lane to find the even-narrower “Looierspoort” (Tannery Lane). It’s a magical setting from another era. Karine welcomed us at #3 and we were delighted to discover a brightly-lit, entirely renovated little house that was perfect for the three of us. The downstairs living and kitchen area was comfortable, clean and well-equipped and opened onto a small back courtyard area. The upstairs featured a very comfortable bedroom with a queen bed, as well as stylishly modern bathroom and WC. The fold-out couch was comfortable and our daughter slept well there. The nights were very quiet. Karine was warm and welcoming and very helpful getting us oriented to the town, nearby restaurants and other amenities, as well as looking after our needs during our stay. The central “markt”, home of the Gouda cheese market (every Thursday morning) is just a couple of blocks away along a commercial street where you can find delicious local specialty ‘stroopwafels’, as well as all the Gouda cheese and other food supplies you may need. Walking around historic Gouda you’ll discover a surprise at every corner. If you have the chance and are so inclined, rent a bike and take a ride around the “Reeuwijkse Plassen”, a beautiful series of lakes formed by centuries of peat harvesting. Top marks to both Karine as hostess and to Tannery Lane and Gouda as a getaway destination.
John Randle (US) August 2016
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