Steef and Yvonne: A Dutch Couple's Quest to Transform Former Swingers Paradise Into Charming B&B
Adventurous couple finds success after overcoming numerous challenges as their dream takes shape.
Steef (59) and Yvonne (58), hailing from North Brabant, have traded their familiar lives for new experiences amid the majestic Alps of Austria. Their ambitious project—to convert their newly purchased property, previously fondly dubbed 'swingersparadise', located in the small village of Bach—into a cozy bed and breakfast (B&B).
According to the latest reports from AVROTROS, their endeavor has reached fruition as they welcome their first guests. "We can say it’s going even smoother than anticipated. We've been here for six months now and started receiving guests since last December. It's wonderful to experience this together; we make a great team!" Steef remarked.
Like many reality show stories, their relocation was marked by difficulties. Right from the start, Steef and Yvonne faced hurdles. Before even crossing the border, they encountered significant setbacks. What was meant to be their dream home turned out to be burdened with complications.
The couple purchased the villa for €940,000, equipped with plans for extensive renovations to replace the eroticism of its past with the warmth of hospitality. Unfortunately, upon their arrival, they found out the previous owner failed to vacate the premises as promised. "The property was supposed to be empty, but it was far from it, which threw our timeline completely off what we had planned," Yvonne shared.
Yet, they persevered. Faced with the reality of their situation, Steef and Yvonne set to work immediately, aware of the impending winter season. Their resilience is evident as they begin to orchestrate the rehabilitation of the property, including demolishing features such as opulent jacuzzis and clearing out remnants of the previous owner’s lifestyle.
Despite the initial chaos, Steef and Yvonne have gradually settled as residents of Tirol. "Living and working here is quite different than being on holiday. The rules take more time to navigate than back home, especially since much here is still managed through paper and mail," Yvonne explained, noting the cultural shift.
Among the challenges, they also relished the beautiful surroundings of the Tyrolean mountains. "Every day brings different views, and we cherish the peace. You can even spot deer from your window!" they explained, showcasing their connection to the idyllic setting.
To create their vision for Stay Novy, the name they've chosen for their B&B, they’ve allocated €85,000 from their budget for renovations, emphasizing the importance of retaining the unique character of their space but removing its previous identity. "We want to create rooms for visitors but without any of the previous connotations; it’s about transforming this space fully," Steef summarized.
They cover the logistical side of running the B&B, though shopping and daily errands have proven to be more complicated than anticipated due to the differences in infrastructure and distances. "We have to keep our shopping lists handy! The distances are longer here, but the welcoming local community makes things easier for us during this adjustment phase," added Yvonne.
Now, six months after settling down, their initial fears have been replaced with excitement over their burgeoning success. Their establishment has garnered enough interest to require the addition of two new studio units to accommodate demand, underscoring the growing appeal of their venture. "We’ve even had to turn guests away due to full bookings, which is excellent news for us!" they stated.
Despite acknowledging the homesickness they feel for family, particularly for their daughters who remain in the Netherlands, they noted, “The distance is manageable, and they already plan visits regularly. Each time they come, we enjoy intensified family connections," Yvonne shared, highlighting their ability to maintain familial bonds across borders.
Looking back on their transition from the corporate grind—Steef's job in IT and Yvonne's role with youth protection—to their entrepreneurial pursuits, the couple expresses no regrets. Instead, they cherish their experiences and the new friendships formed within their neighborhood since establishing roots.
While it's been no walk in the park, Steef and Yvonne's unwavering determination, adaptability, and enthusiasm exemplify the spirit of adventure echoed throughout the series 'Ik Vertrek,' where men and women follow their hearts and dreams beyond conventional lifestyles.
Through hard work and patience, they’ve crafted what Po becomes more than just accommodation but is now also woven with personal history and the vibrant life they've begun anew among the stunning Austrian landscapes. They truly have made their home, proving the power of resilience and community integration.
It appears Steef and Yvonne will continue cultivating their prosperity at Stay Novy, with plans for sustainable growth and more heartfelt experiences to share with guests. Their story continues to inspire others contemplating life changes, and their commitment to their dream remains unshaken.