Experience of a Resident

It's time for another resident interview! This time, we spoke with Howard and Margaret about her experience living in a CHF apartment and in the Netherlands. She recently relocated to The Hague from Mexico with her husband and two children, and she’s excited to share some tips to make your stay with us even more enjoyable!

Before we start, could you please introduce yourself?

My wife and I, Howard and Margaret Barnes, originate from the UK but moved to the Netherlands in 1973. Since then, we maintained a home in the Netherlands until 2018. However, in the meantime, we lived and worked across all continents and subcontinents, with the exception of Antarctica. We are both on the wrong side of 75 and currently reside in Melbourne, Australia. I am retired, while Margaret is a full-time housewife.

When staying away from home for business, finding somewhere that is more than just a place to sleep can make all the difference. Why did you choose a serviced apartment from Corporate Housing Factory instead of a hotel? What do you see as the main advantages?

We travel to Europe each year to visit family in the UK and family and friends in the Netherlands. Several years ago (pre-COVID), we discovered Corporate Housing Factory as an excellent option for accommodation during our visits. We first stayed at La Fenetre and currently stay at Hoge Duin, The Hague. Both locations are ideal for us—close to public transport, the beach, and within walking distance of good restaurants. The serviced apartments give us the flexibility to host visitors, something we wouldn’t easily be able to do in a hotel.

I understand you’ve been living in the Netherlands for a little while now. What's been the most surprising cultural difference you've encountered in your day-to-day life here?

Since we lived in the Netherlands for many years, there are many aspects of life here that we’ve come to appreciate and even take for granted. These include the abundance of fish restaurants in Scheveningen, the vibrant Indonesian cuisine in The Hague, and attractions like The Mall of the Netherlands in Leidschendam. We’ve also noticed the more regulated nature of Dutch society compared to Australia, where we now live, or places like China, Ireland, and Poland, where we’ve previously spent extended periods.

I enjoy walking, and one of my favorite routes is from Hoge Duin through the Haagse Bos, past the palace, and on to Leidschendam. As a history enthusiast, knowing the area’s Second World War history makes these walks even more meaningful.

Have you discovered any hidden gems or local secrets during your stay that you’d like to recommend to future residents?

Given the Netherlands' dense population and limited land area, I’m always amazed at the amount of green space available and the care taken to make these areas inviting for both wildlife and people.