He transformed old waterline war bunker into minimalist home

Twenty years ago when Ben Spee was looking for a “special” place to live, the Foundation Forteresse was planning to turn an old Dutch fort into a B&B. Spee moved in and spent the next 15 years helping turn a 19th-Century fortress- complete with moat- into a “special” place to spend the night.
In 1844, the Dutch began to construct Fort Vuren as part of the New Hollandic Waterline (Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie) a series of forts stretching 52 miles north-south through the countryside. Part of the country’s largest ever infrastructure investment, the Waterline (the original dates back to the 17th Century) relies on a chain of forts and shallow moats with water that could be strategically deployed to create an impassable muddy mess.
The Waterline served as more of a deterrent than something actually put to use (Fort Vuren was occupied only by invading Germans) and became obsolete with the introduction of air strikes in World War II.
Today, the Waterline has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Regional governments, following ideals of “preservation through development”, are renovating the forts into restaurants, museums and lodging.
Ben Spee helped oversee a massive renovation of Fort Vuren that began in 2010 that included protection from the area’s high humidity: inserting a vapor barrier in the walls and using geothermal energy to heat the floors. Today, the old fort has 9 rooms within the circular counterscarp (added on in 1878). There are also two “fort lodge” homes for rent inside an old barrack.
For the truly “adventurous”, there’s a tiny bunker turned bunkhouse for rent by the weekend/week. Just 3 meters by 3 meters, the half submerged structure sleeps four in retractable wooden bunkbeds. It’s also plumbed and wired with a small kitchen, complete with stovetops, sink and mini fridge.
We tested the converted shelter for one night and found it surprisingly comfortable for all five of us. As a bonus for those with young kids, it’s isolated and soundproof.
Despite the new accommodations and additional overnight guests, the fort still retains a timeless quiet, and for Ben, and the rest at Fort Vuren, this intimacy remains a core value.
Fort Vuren lodging: www.wff.nl/algemeen.php?sub1=S...
Drone footage courtesy of Jaap Brunner
Original video: faircompanies.com/videos/beau...

[@kj7798]

I've been watching your videos for 3 years and they have in many ways inspired me to become a cultural anthropologist and focus on gaining independence through alternative home ownership. These videos are gifts to me. Thank you so much for continuing to make them for so long :)

[@themacocko6311]

Kennedy James Where you from?

[@Kikinahm]

So nice to live in a beautifully-serene local and see noone!

[@thebonvivant9027]

Kennedy James me too, It inspires me also to be an cultural anthropologist ..

[@estherford8209]

Totally agree with Kennedy James. I would add that that your children are getting the best education possible!

[@markomarkuezovic9586]

Kennedy James it inspires me to be a proctologist.

[@margoseeley2108]

I love watching and hearing your children talk and explore all the places you have gone, the world is their class room! You are wonderful parents to take them with you! PEACE

[@darkmf666]

How wonderful! I live near there. Its so weird seeing your own neighborhood on one of your favorite youtube channels all of the sudden. Thanks for the video:)

[@ciaobella8963]

It's wonderful to see how your children are growing. I wonder how all your travels and experiences with interesting houses will affect their interests and eventual careers.

[@tombowers536]

Those kids are so lucky to be able to travel so much and see so many different types of homes

[@Presca1]

One thing I love about your videos too is seeing all over the world where you travel and I love that the kids come too, it's a great experience for them that they will always remember.

[@itsmarialifestyle4355]

I like that you adjust your work to be around your children /family and not the other (typical) way around.

[@hmerle]

As a Dutchie it's really fun to see this video on your channel, really cool that you stayed at the bunkers! And aah the Dunglish haha, "the wood is meubelplaat" :p

[@neva.2764]

It's hard to watch. I'm cringing.

[@adelheidsnel5171]

whahaha ja heeeeel erg🤣

[@eshqa]

I like him saying "I'm not dreaming in the past". :)

[@remoconan8720]

Why watch the tv. I have so many episodes to watch this. This is high quality filming and editing of everyday peoples and the ingenuity and simplicity of living they have inspired into their homes and lives. Thank You Kirsten for making exceptional production value content that in every way reinvents and re-imagines the concepts and ideas of the Off-Grid Lifestyle allowing us all to see the many examples of how modern day living does not have to be based along the mainstream systems. I am enthusiastic and filled with promise to to build my own tiny space on a small permaculture potential property that I can call home that is away from the busy and chaotic city culture; in the meantime I am watching these many episodes along tiny house on wheels channel to estimate my budget and to find out design ideas.

[@HelenaMawie]

Very happy how they kept it the true building, made it a healthy environment an a beautiful place to stay. Impressive.

[@christiansiegert9895]

Some complained you gave too much airtime to your children. I actually liked hearing what they thought of the place and seeing them goofing around.

[@robertward8130]

And the relationship between adult and children is mutually respectful. I enjoyed seeing it from their eyes too.

[@oliverburke]

I find it vital that KD includes her children’s perspectives and luxuriously wish that was included on every video - esp. that one question: “Could you see yourself living here?” The main reason it’s so valuable: sometimes children live in structures too - not just adult KZbin viewers. It’s nice to get her partner’s perspective of height/fit & feeling too. I love to see her family raid a new area and provide feedback, because most of us have relatives and it’s valuable to get feedback on how structures affect all demographics. So so valuable!

[@eceerdat7348]

Me, too. I think their input is very valuable.

[@HelenBeeee]

next time you guys are in Australia you should check out the underground houses of Coober Pedy in South Australia. I think you woould find them really interesting. This was a great thanks!

[@latishabrown801]

@Kirsten Dirksen Hi Kirsten, I just wanted to thank you for bringing us some of the best architecture from around the world. I've been subscribed to your channel for over 3 years & I just love it. Also your kids are so beautiful & are growing like weeds. Your oldest daughter has gotten so tall, they've all grown so much. Have a great Spring & Summer Dirksen family.😊

[@kkrollingskkrollings3173]

Hearing your kids laughf and play brings back pleasant memories of my kids around there age, They grow up so fast i miss those days. Thank you for the video and God bless your family.

[@TestChannel-zf4do]

Your videos have changed the way I look at design for both interiors and exteriors. I wish I had this info 30 years ago.

[@michelelavender1967]

your kids are getting big,really enjoyed this,you bring it all to us,thankyou

[@yves-noel-mariegonnet1043]

Sensationnel! Exceptionnel! Magnifique! et très insolite! A faire connaître: Merci!

[@187rocketman]

Really enjoyed the tour. About 28 years ago I was in Denmark on duty in the USAF and got to see alote of bunkers along the beach where I was. It was interesting cause some were side ways and upside down .

[@linda60580]

jee Maarten, wat leuk en interessant om dit gezien te hebben! We vinden het geweldig, bedankt voor de tour!

[@MountainMan23]

Kids had a blast!! Amazing place .. thanks for sharing!

[@ianharvey9136]

Beautiful place! Thanks Kirsten.

[@ariadams3290]

I love it! The building has so much potential and so many advantages than regular above-ground homes.

[@BuckBreaker]

Kirsten, I've loved your channel for a bit now. I've been taking carpentry classes at my local community college in Denver for the past 3 months so the lingo of R-Value and other coding issues makes sense now. I just wanted to thank you for having one of the the most interesting, intriguing and informative channels on KZbin. Absolutely tip top. Keep on rocking in the free world!

[@jenwaddell9632]

These kids are so sweet. Its nice to see them so interested and having fun😄

[@jkam2524]

Your children have been given such wonderful memories.

[@LelouchVelvet]

Wow the new building part looks amazing!

[@georgegibson707]

Thumbs up, I really like what Ben Spee has created there.

[@owenp5425]

the brickwork throughout is outstanding!

[@williamthompson4958]

That's one of your best edited videos. I really enjoyed it

[@alexfrank1831]

What an awesome Video! The dutch are amazing builders, i always love to see their works!

[@ZenTeaNow]

Love all your videos! so meaningful.

[@sstarklite2181]

That looks like a great place to hide during wars. Really nice that they are renting. Probably to tourists. Very cool.

[@CrankyBubushka]

That was so interesting and beautiful. Thank you. I love your videos.

[@chantaln6843]

This reminds me of fort Monroe located In Hampton, Virginia. Fort Monroe is the largest stone fort ever built in the United States and the only moat-encircled fort remaining in active duty. Over 400 years ago, in 1607.

[@simstash9889]

I think this is great. I would really love to explore this area myself.

[@PTcruser65]

Great vid,love the channel. u is cool, hubby is cool, your 3 rug rats are funny ,happy and ah..... well cool. good on yeah. keep on rocking in the free world

[@ParadoxdesignsOrg]

I've always wanted to live in a place with a moat! that's awesome.

[@anneworks]

You came to my country! So cool 😎 I used to live near the fort, endlessly cycled along the river. Will defenitely go and stay there sometime. You introduced me to tiny houses years ago and then I thought it an American thing, but now we have them too and I'm considering building one.

[@bhsx]

All your kids are beautiful and they're getting so big!

[@on_another_level5661]

The kids were so young! Oh how the time passes. I hope all is well.

[@jackyblue67same10]

Very nice I wish I could afford to travel & see cool places like that u some lucky people be safe & enjoy God Bless.

[@balanceiskey9646]

Thankyou for sharing.

[@tamaraweber3296]

Amazing!!!

[@sikantis61]

I like watching your videos because you have such an artistic eye. I don't think I would have stayed in that place, although it does have an eerie beauty to it.

[@Lazarus-aap]

That's pretty cool! I am dutch, but I never knew about this place!

[@troybrown6012]

this place is a trip. I'd stay there for sure

[@AMYV3]

thank you ..very interesting. .again a place I'd love to visit :)

[@nik7972]

WONDERFULNESS!!!!!

[@andrewinnj]

Your videos need captions! Thank you for the great content ❤️

[@henkondemand]

The Dutch English is really funny, great place

[@rogerelzenga4465]

As a dutch guy it annoys the crap out of me.....

[@d3r4g45]

Hydro Pump that tshh sound 😂

[@sklodowska226]

Roger Elzenga Agreed, one of the worst Dutch English speakers i've ever heard lol

[@MrCorSmit]

Sort of 'make that de cat wise'

[@markschattefor6997]

+Louis Seize How many English speaking people do you know, who can speak dutch on the same level as this gentleman does in English??

[@kyotokat8543]

Looks like a great place to visit when in the Netherlands.

[@saharaalfie697]

***{ GENIUS .. !! " MAGNIFIQUE " }***

[@EdurtreG]

Lijkt fort bij Groenekan Utrecht wel. Prachtig mooi!

[@planb2222]

That bunker was an amazing feat of brick work! I'll bet it's mega haunted.

[@javiermgeco]

Hello Kirsten, you have always such great videos about homes. This one is great! I wanted to ask you what cammera(s) do you use? Thanks!

[@micheldas9675]

nice place for a week- end 😍

[@toadfrog7474]

Very interesting, I would love an underground place...

[@bluetree9156]

outside SIMPELE.. . hidden and in ... not each can see....Its REALY great ideea from arhitekt..

[@Sergeispbruful]

Очень интересная и полезная информация

[@Ragesauce]

That's a beauty

[@user-gi5pe2sn4v]

Люблю ваш канал ,обожаю интересные дома, и другие постройки.

[@Em-mp4hf]

Kids having so much fun here! Pretty cool! Are they apartments as well?

[@belladonna4076]

Awesome place.

[@warmybo]

fantastic!

[@oplakanskastudio]

Your videos are very interesting!

[@mtyhntr49]

Simply Wow, Can someone please tell me where this is? Absolutely 💯 % awesome.

[@Andy_M986]

I went past that place 2 years ago,wish i knew about it back then.

[@rrich52806]

So cool

[@kingdomcitizen4788]

It's nice to see you visited my country :) great video but I could never live in a bunker it's too 'benauwend' haha

[@caljarvis]

job well done

[@mightymikeymic4607]

i think this is very very cool i like it but unfortunately im claustrophobic if it had more windows with sun light i would stay but being in very small spaces i tend to panic sad part is i like to come see it but i dont like being on planes either lolol small spaces freak me out love the video love the idea into makin this into a home very very nice and unique

[@mdizsmith7787]

awesome

[@pauls466]

Nice to the top

[@KlausHildner]

Make sure nobody drops off these sharp edges that go down straight for 5 meters. The children looked quite aware, so it should be OK with some education upfront.

[@JAchica11]

claustrophobia on fleek! lol!

[@MRT1TRM]

Very nice! If you search for 'bunker 599' you can find one cut in half :)

[@mattwoodproperty]

I think a gimble would smooth out your walking scenes Kirsten. A real improvement

[@lilamazon]

it's said on BBC that the Dutch in general are the TALLEST people in the world; and here it is, the hobbit-size lodge. hilarious!!!

[@KlausHildner]

Nice relaxed walkthrough ... "[Against] The French ... but they never came" ... if I ever visit, I will wear my rubber hat!

[@madeliefdekock]

Whaaaat so close to my home!

[@anaquintanilla4029]

How is it that those people can get access to live a a bunker or something alike?, I ask cause I have intentions to do live in a place like that.

[@caturoza9037]

i love this chanel

[@patches_kitty]

The dutch have it together

[@scully0105]

In 1844, the Dutch began to construct Fort Vuren as part of the New Hollandic Waterline (Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie) a series of forts stretching ~84 km north-south through the countryside. - For those of us who use the SI measurement.

[@goodboybuddy1]

This looks a lot like Ft. Macon, Atlantic Beach, NC. Circular, beautiful brickwork, etc. Check out the resemblance. Ft. Macon defended the NC coast in the American Civil War.

[@HellScream107]

I watch these videos with the hope that someday I can build a secret hide-out at work and sleep when I'm hung over.

[@MrSnickster]

interesting place! He said he didn't have a lot of money, but to excavate that place must have had significant cost.

[@kirstendirksen]

He just leases the place (30 years I believe). I believe the fort's foundation and regional government pay for most of the renovations.

[@NLDennis]

20 years ;) @14:20

[@wilmamacrooy7567]

I say it in dutch, because I am from.Suriname.a former colony from Holland: " het is prachtig"!

[@d3r4g45]

for the adults: several gorgeous spacy bedrooms. for the 3 children: one claustrophobic prison cell bedroom-dining area with no windows.

[@kirstendirksen]

All 5 of us slept in the bunker. We could have chosen one of his B&B conterscarp rooms with more space, but we wanted to try the more adventurous option.

[@d3r4g45]

Kirsten Dirksen oh that makes more sense. thanks

[@nasuper100]

super

[@michaelcaltrider3351]

how long do you think it took to build that place back in the day?

[@EdurtreG]

Zit weer te likkebaarden. 😊

[@Nexus-6]

I keep thinking this would be a perfect place to survive a zombie apocalypse.. : )

[@ambroisevalet]

How is humidity and air controlled in this place?

[@vewsince1979]

What a delicious coal English! Wat een heerlijke steenkolen Engels!

[@seward9]

As a claustrophobic, sleeping in small spaces is really harsh for me, I wouldn't be able to do it. The roof is so close. The walls are too large.

[@lovablevietboy]

Funny how they said they were afraid about the French invading. It appears the French did with new interior design

[@thomasnorb4077]

It wasn't entirely random. The French were next door in Belgium and had invaded before.

[@Jaqcarrera]

Cutest kids!

[@masq29]

If zombie apocalypse were to happen, it will be a safe base

[@96cot.r96]

крепость,, звезда,,, видимо, с высоты птичьего полёта бы посмотреть...